Awards and Features
A Career Built on Flavor, Courage, and Service
Rosie's career has taken her from Southern California kitchens to national television, culinary competitions, international experiences, community organizations, and rooms she never imagined she'd enter.
And if you ask her, she'll tell you the journey matters just as much as the recognition.
Say Yes!
Every award, television appearance, and invitation into a new kitchen represents a chapter in Rosie’s journey, but recognition was never the reason she began.
Rosie built her career by showing up, taking chances, serving her community, and saying yes before she always felt ready. Along the way, her food, leadership, and commitment to others have earned recognition from diners, fellow chefs, national brands, culinary festivals, and even the White House.
People's Choice Favorite Restaurant
Lady R Bistro was named Best Restaurant of the Year by Menifee Experience in 2026, recognizing the restaurant’s memorable food, welcoming atmosphere, and place within the local community.
Three Time Favorite Chef
Rosie received the Locals’ Choice Award for Favorite Chef in 2021, 2022, and 2023. Three consecutive years of recognition from the community she proudly serves.
Presidential Recognition for Service
Rosie received the President’s Call to Service Award from President Barack Obama, honoring her longstanding commitment to serving and strengthening her community.
Competition Awards
Rosie’s approach to food with bold flavors, cultural influences, technical skill, and plenty of personality has earned recognition throughout Southern California.
-
2015 SoCal Chef Open — Pinnacle Award and People’s Choice Award
-
2018 Hell’s Kitchen Competition at Harrah’s Casino — First Place
-
2019 Sabor Latino San Diego — Winner
Television and Media Experiences
Rosie’s food, personality, and story have brought her to television screens across the country. She has competed, cooked, and shared her expertise on national food programs, Spanish-language television, and local news.
Featured on:
-
Food Network — Supermarket Stakeout and CompliPlated
-
Cooking Channel — Farmers’ Market Flip
-
Telemundo
-
CBS 8
-
Local television and news outlets throughout Southern California
Every award, television appearance, and invitation into a new kitchen represents a chapter in Rosie’s journey, but recognition was never the reason she began.
Rosie built her career by showing up, taking chances, serving her community, and saying yes before she always felt ready. Along the way, her food, leadership, and commitment to others have earned recognition from diners, fellow chefs, national brands, culinary festivals, and even the White House.
Culinary Leadership
Rosie’s experience has also made her a trusted judge, featured chef, and culinary ambassador.
-
Lead Celebrity Chef Judge for the SoCal Chef Open in 2019, 2020, and 2021
-
Featured Chef at the 2021 San Diego Bay Wine and Food Festival
-
Celebrity Chef Judge for the 2021 Taco Smackdown
-
Celebrity Chef Judge for Sabor Latino at the San Diego Latino Film Festival in 2022 and 2023
-
Brand Ambassador Chef for Goya Foods
Memorable Culinary Experiences
In 2019, Rosie had the honor of cooking for former Mexican President Vicente Fox—one of many opportunities that has taken her food beyond the walls of her own restaurant and into remarkable kitchens, events, and communities.
More Than Recognition
Rosie is proud of every award, but the moments that matter most are often the ones without a trophy: seeing guests return to her restaurant, helping young people recognize their potential, encouraging women to begin again, and creating food that brings people together.
The recognition is meaningful because of what it represents—a career built with courage, resilience, generosity, and heart.
From keynote speaking and live food demonstrations to culinary judging, brand partnerships, and special appearances, Rosie brings warmth, credibility, energy, and unforgettable stories to every room.