At Clearwater Living, the culinary experience is more than a daily routine—it’s a celebration of individuality, creativity, and meaningful connection. At the center of it all is Chef Amy Lebrun, Clearwater Newport Beach’s Culinary Director, who infuses every plate with intention, innovation, and heart.
Classically trained with over two decades of experience, Chef Amy brings a dynamic blend of technique and creativity to Clearwater’s elevated Savor culinary program. She spent nearly a decade as Sous Chef at luxury resorts, including The Ritz-Carlton in Dana Point, and has long been a culinary staple in Orange County. Her career spans upscale restaurants and culinary concepts, but today, her passion lies in crafting menus that inspire residents to savor every moment.
A Career Built on Curiosity and Care
Chef Amy didn’t initially set out to become a chef. “I actually started out thinking I’d go into art or architecture,” she says. But a part-time restaurant job in college ignited a new passion. “I fell in love with the environment, the pace, and the creativity of the kitchen. From there, it became very clear this was my path.”
Since then, she’s built a reputation for bold flavors, elegant presentation, and a leadership style rooted in empathy. “I like to create food that tells a story,” she shares. “Sometimes that story is nostalgic—something that reminds you of home. Sometimes it’s about adventure or discovery. Either way, it should always reflect care.”
Her transition to senior living was intentional. “I wanted a change of pace that still allowed me to be creative but also centered around people and purpose,” Amy explains. Clearwater Newport Beach, with its emphasis on Empowered Living® - Clearwater’s holistic approach to successful aging - was the perfect fit.
Bringing Empowered Living® to the Table
True to Clearwater Living’s Empowered Living® philosophy, Chef Amy sees cuisine as a vehicle for connection, autonomy, and joy. With multiple culinary venues offering a variety of menus including a restaurant, cafe, private dining space, and large outdoor bar and terrace for al fresco dining on site, residents have the freedom to enjoy fresh, chef-driven meals in the setting that best suits their lifestyle—whether that’s a relaxed bistro breakfast or a more formal evening meal with friends.
“We don’t do cookie-cutter menus here,” Chef Amy says. “Everything is customized, seasonal, and tailored to resident feedback. We [have] food committees, cooking demos, and we constantly ask for suggestions. I want every resident to feel seen and heard through what we’re serving.”
One resident from Hungary expressed deep appreciation after enjoying a themed Hungarian night at the community. “He was so excited. It reminded him of home, and he thanked us so much,” Chef Amy recalls. It’s moments like these that showcase the emotional resonance of thoughtful, personalized cuisine.
To dive deeper into Clearwater’s holistic culinary approach, read Savor the Moment: An Inside Look at the Clearwater Culinary Experience.
A Culture of Creativity
The Clearwater culinary lifestyle is interactive and vibrant. From cooking demos and “Grill and Chill” afternoons to happy hour cocktails in the courtyard, residents are part of the process, not just passive recipients.
“There’s so much talent and passion among the residents,” Chef Amy says. “We had someone who used to be a chocolatier. So we planned a demo together and let her teach us how to temper and mold chocolate. It was amazing.”
This spirit of collaboration extends to the culinary team as well. Amy leads with the belief that kitchens should be nurturing, not stressful. “I want my team to feel safe expressing ideas and growing their skills. That energy translates into better food and a happier dining room.”
Honoring Tradition with Family Recipes
A meaningful part of Amy’s approach is inviting residents to share their favorite family recipes—whether handwritten in old notebooks or lovingly passed down through generations. “We’ve done quite a few,” Chef Amy shares in the interview. "Residents will bring me handwritten recipes and we’ll try to recreate them.”
These personal recipes not only foster nostalgia, but also spark conversations, strengthen community bonds, and allow residents to leave a piece of their legacy on the menu.
Behind the Menu: What Inspires Chef Amy
When asked what she loves to cook most, Chef Amy lights up. “I love Mediterranean flavors—lots of fresh herbs, olive oil, lemon. But I also love comfort food done really well, like a braised short rib or a great risotto.”
She builds her menus around seasonal ingredients and resident preferences. “We’ll do farmers market specials, holiday tastings, themed brunches—you name it. We just did a wine pairing dinner with live music on the patio that was a huge hit.”
And it’s not just about the food. “The experience matters just as much. How it’s plated, how it smells, the atmosphere—it all plays a role in how you feel sitting down to eat.”
Looking Ahead
As she plans for upcoming seasonal menus, Chef Amy is focused on continuing to expand both flavor and flexibility. “We’re always thinking about how to meet different dietary needs without sacrificing taste,” she notes. “And we want to keep surprising people—with new dishes, new formats, and new memories.”
For Chef Amy, food is never just food. It’s an expression of care, creativity, and connection—a way to make every day feel special.
“Here, every meal is an opportunity,” she says. “An opportunity to nourish, to connect, and to bring joy.”
Discover Culinary Experiences that Celebrate You
At Clearwater Living, dining isn't just about nutrition it's about connection, culture, and joy. Across our communities in California, Oregon, Texas, Arizona, and Nevada, professional chefs like Amy Lebrun bring creativity and care to every plate through our Savor program. Whether it's a beloved family recipe or a seasonal tasting menu, meals are thoughtfully prepared to reflect resident preferences and enhance daily life.
Looking for a senior community where food feels meaningful and memorable? Explore a Clearwater Living community near you.