The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort and ECHO Oceanside Restaurant welcome Executive Chef John Palacio to the resort. Palacio began his culinary career at age 15 and began following his dream of becoming a culinary professional following four years of global assignments with the U.S. Marines. He won the coveted American Culinary Federation’s “Apprentice of the Year” following an American Culinary Federation at the Westin Bonaventure in Los Angeles. He gained his vast kitchen experience by traversing the country in Westin resorts from Santa Clara to Kansas City to Tuscon to Beverly Hills, even catering to the stars at the Emmy Awards in the late 1980s. Palacio says, “Each day I want to personally meet our guests to let them know I am available to make their visit memorable - from a birthday party or wedding reception to their casual dining experience filled with culinary surprises.”