Charles Heineke is passionate about food. He's also passionate
about his clients and what they eat! Early mornings will find him
shopping the markets for the freshest, sustainable foods available in
San Diego County. This likeable, laid back, native San Diegan began
his flirtation with food at the age of 17 when he worked for the
Hanalei Hotel as a dishwasher. He quickly moved through the ranks
and earned a coveted spot as a line cook in what was a bustling
kitchen where multitasking was a necessity. Like all flirtations, this
one burned out and Charles left the culinary world in search of what
he thought would be his “true” career path. Several years passed and
finally at 25 he realized that food was his passion and he really loved
it. He returned to school entering Mesa College to complete his
education in food service production and going on to Grossmont
College to complete his education in food service management.


After college, he made his way through several restaurants and
hotels continuously developing the skills that would serve him well
into the future.  Believing in the philosophy of keeping a balance
between making a living and living a life, Charles became the Chef at
Mission Bay Hospital where for over 15 years, he developed dietary
programs that met the demanding health needs of both patients,
staff and visitors alike. On any given day over 200 meals were
prepared that were nutritionally sound and delicious. Charles believes
that healthy doesn’t have to be boring or complicated! He is an
expert at creating fresh foods that have bright flavors while being
budget conscious, easy to prepare and allow for eating well even
when life becomes busy and stressful.  Charles has also held the
distinctions of Personal Chef and Assistant Food Service Director of
the Rancho Bernardo Presbyterian Church.  And Charles believes in
educating food enthusiasts through Alchemy of the Hearth Cooking
School and the Poway Adult School Cooking Program.

Charles’s first priority has always remained the same, his client’s
wellbeing. His life long love affair with food shines through each time
he begins to create a meal. Building on a reputation of hard work,
good food and consistently good service, Charles subscribes to the
belief that cooking should come from a “real kitchen”, one that is
dedicated to culinary honesty, fresh food, uncomplicated dishes that
are affordable and ingredients that are readily available. His approach
to food is a passionate one that encompasses boundless energy and
curiosity. This curiosity has led him to create RB Classic Cooking &
Catering. Charles believes good food shared with family and friends
connects us to each other in so many ways. Laughter and
conversation creates the communion we all long for in such chaotic
times. This is what sustains us and helps us face each day with hope.
RB Classic Cooking & Catering has afforded him the opportunity to
pursue his passion of bringing families together in a hectic world by
providing high quality, fresh cooked meals that are delivered to their
door.
Chef Charles Heineke