Venus Gaytan cooks during a live segment on KMPH's Great Day Morning Show.

Guests at Eagle Mountain Casino in Porterville can expect new flavors at its restaurants after the appointment of a new head chef.

Lindsay native Venus Gaytan was introduced as the casino’s new head chef earlier this month, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a lifetime of passion in the culinary industry, according to a news release.

Gaytan found her love for the culinary arts at a young age, learning family recipes and honing her skills before relocating to Texas, working in both fast casual and fine dining restaurants. She comes to Eagle Mountain from a position as executive chef at Wonder Valley Ranch Resort, where she led the development of new food and beverage plans and menus for various events and occasions

Gaytan has prioritized cultivating positive work cultures in her kitchen. She says that by prioritizing a good attitude and chemistry, she is able to foster creativity and collaboration between herself and her team members.

“We are thrilled to welcome our new head chef to Eagle Mountain Casino,” said EMC management. “Her passion for cooking and creating delicious dishes is evident in everything she does, and we are confident that she will make EMC our community’s favorite dining destination.”

Along with her culinary skills, Gaytan is known for her fun facts; she is a twin and has prepared dishes for celebrities and loves to prepare beef and seafood, specializing in tenderloins and seared seafood dishes.

Last year Eagle Mountain Casino relocated from its original home in the foothills east of Porterville to its new home near the Porterville Municipal Airport. The casino offers 1,750 new and classic slot machines as well as 20 table games, a 2,000-seat entertainment and event center as well as the casino’s dining options — The River Steakhouse, Redwood Taphouse, the Acorn Diner, Cedar Food Court and Yokuts Coffee House.