Uriel Telix promoted to Executive Chef at PCG

Phoenix City Grille’s owner Dennis Shaw has announced changes to its culinary team including promoting longtime employee Uriel Telix to Executive Chef. Other promotions included of Corey Azure to Executive Sous Chef and hiring Severo Hernandez as Sous Chef. Shaw himself is relatively new to PCG as he became a partner in 2024 as founder and owner Sheldon Knapp semi-retired.

“We are pleased to welcome Severo as our new Sous Chef and to promote Uriel to the position of Executive Chef as well as appoint Corey to Executive Sous Chef,” said Shaw, “The talents of these three chefs are sure to be noticed by our diners and we will continue focusing on consistent excellence while also presenting new and exciting experiences for our guests.”

Telix has been with PCG for 19 years hired as a line cook before being promoted to Sous Chef then Chef de Cuisine before his recent promotion to Executive Chef. He’s looking forward to growing as a leader of the culinary and honing his craft. “I’m looking forward to inspiring and leading our talented culinary team to carry on the tradition and legacy of Phoenix City Grille,” Telix said, adding, “Our guests can continue to expect fresh, creative dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. I’m excited to evolve the menu with innovative ideas while staying true to the spirit of Phoenix City Grille.”

Joining Uriel Telix at PCG

Severo Hernandez is new to PCG and hails from Oaxaca, Mexico where he helped preparing family meals for his large family and enjoys bringing people together with food and making them happy. He’s previously worked as sous Chef at Sierra Bonita Grill and North Italia where he’s enjoyed motivating others to their fullest potential. “I’m excited to be part of the PCG team and look forward to being part of a growing business,” said Hernandez, “In this role, I strive to show my passion for cooking and will go out of my way to guide others to do the same.”

Corey Azure started at PCG in 2005 as Sous Chef after studying culinary arts at the Art Institute of Phoenix and Le Cordon Bleu in London and Paris. With a back round in French cooking he’s learned much about Mexican cuisine from working with Uriel Telix. “Being able to execute an idea and seeing the reaction to a good recipe is very rewarding,” says Azure of his passion for cooking. “My cooking is inspired by tasting other cuisines and trying to learn new flavors.”

San Francisco chefs coming to Phoenix for cannabis infused dinner

Sous chef Frank Gama was living & working in Phoenix when he was planning a culinary experience like no other. He was then offered a job in San Francisco but didn’t forget about the dinner he wanted to do honoring the Hispanic & Latino community and heritage. He and Sous Chef Victor Aguilera will be coming to Phoenix to collaborate on this 8-course cannabis infused dinners on Sunday October 17th and Monday the 18th at Phoenix’s Jewels’ Cafe.

Both Gama and Aguilera have worked at Michelin star restaurants in San Francisco with Gama working at Atelier Crenn, Sorrel and Cafe Monarch in Scottsdale. Aguilera who’s from Venezuela, opened Arepas en Bici and has been featured in Eater SF, SF Chronicle, Good Morning America and recently won the Chopped 420 Challenge.

The dinners will feature courses spanning the culinary spectrum from molecular gastronomy to traditional French cuisine using locally sourced ingredients and Arizona grown cannabis. The dinner will start with a happy hour with snacks and each course will include drink pairings by bartender Curtis Hayes of The Monarch in Kansas City.

The all inclusive dinner is $200 per person and has two seating’s per night at 5 & 8 p.m.  More information & to purchase your seats visit https://www.bychefaguilera.com/events. Jewel’s Cafe is at 4041 E. Thomas Rd. Phoenix 85018.