He is well known and a local favorite in his hometown of Santa Monica.

He is respected and known in the restaurant community of the city as well as on the beaches as he has been active in kitchens throughout greater LA and surfed locally and around the world.

He has been a chef for many years and an active surfer since he was in grade school.

He is noted chef and personality Raphael Lunetta, owner of JiRaffe restaurant.

Chef Raphael celebrated the 15th anniversary of JiRaffe last spring and the restaurant remains one of the most favorite places to dine in Santa Monica.

The food is noted for its simplicity, clarity of flavors and use of local ingredients, with many sourced at the very abundant local Farmer’s Market.

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