This week, AZFoothills.com pays tribute to the Valley’s top pops. 

Mel Mecinas

Father of Freddy, 17; and Brian, 10.

When he isn’t preparing delectable meals for guests of the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North to enjoy, Executive Chef Mel Mecinas is whipping up delicious and nutritious dishes for his two growing sons.

Despite being the executive chef at a luxury five-star resort, this dad manages to find quality time with his kids. At the Mecinas’ residence, the kitchen is the heart of the home where great food and memories are created daily. “I enjoy cooking for my family and including the boys in the process,” he says. “In fact, I cook a hearty, nutritious breakfast every morning—it’s a nice way to connect before we all begin our day.” Mecinas and his wife savor every moment they spend with their two boys, especially since they are growing up before their eyes. “The teachable moments and watching my sons become young men has been the ultimate reward—there is nothing that compares.”

While being the orchestrator of a high-scale kitchen can be stressful, Chef Mecinas’ daily influence is his family. He strives to set a good example for his children with his work ethic, the way his family live their lives, how they treat others and the world around them. He says, “My wife and I like to believe this is rubbing off on them!”

This Father’s Day, Chef Mecinas will be working to make Father’s Day special for the guests at the Four Seasons Resort. This doesn’t mean that his family forgets to celebrate their own personal chef, dad and husband. The Mecinas family have made it a tradition to celebrate a day before or after the holiday. You can most certainly expect food to be in the picture along with: pool time, lounging and lots of laughter. “I love it,” Mecinas says.