The S.B. Questionnaire: Tyson Torres

Tyson Torres, who is director of restaurants at Santa Barbara’s famed El Encanto Resort, goes the extra mile for his customers.

Case in point: When director Richard Raymond, whose film Desert Dancer opened the Santa Barbara International Film Festival this year, was leaving the hotel to walk the Arlington Theater’s red carpet, Tyson removed the white pocket square from his own shirt and placed it into the Richard’s jacket. “There,” Tyson told him with a smile, “now you look perfect.”

Always impeccably dressed and sporting his signature blinged-out watch, Tyson takes care of every detail for every person who dines at El Encanto. He cuts an imposing figure, but he’s the smoothest operator in Santa Barbara’s hospitality scene.

Here, he answers the Proust Questionnaire.

Which historical figure do you most identify with?

Geronimo. Being Chiricahua Apache, he was the leader of his tribe during the expansion of the Southwest. I’m also Chiricahua, Apache and the leader of an amazing team at Belmond El Encanto.

What is your most marked characteristic?

Approachability. People say they can always talk and count on me.

What do you like most about your job?

The ability to create a memorable, lasting impression on someone through attention to detail and exceptional cuisine is what drives me most.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Being able to spend a day with my fiancé Stacie at Disneyland and forget about the real world.

What is your greatest fear?

Not being successful.

Who do you most admire?

I admire my parents the most. They did whatever it took to make me a successful man. They raised me with great “old school” values.

What is your greatest extravagance?

A trip to Cabo San Lucas. I spent a week there and completely splurged.

What is your current state of mind?

Overwhelmingly satisfied.

What is the quality you most like in people?

I like people that are hardworking and persevere.

What is the quality you most dislike in people?

Dishonesty and fake people.

What do you most value in friends?

Loyalty. I can always count on my friends when I need them most.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

“Yeah buddy!” I say it all day, every day. I feel as though it motivates the people around me to be in a positive state of mind.

Which talent would you most like to have?

Play the piano. I feel as though this instrument is extremely versatile and attains history that lives forever.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I wouldn’t change anything. I’m proud of who I am and who I am makes me a great person.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Working for the only Forbes five star-rated resort in Santa Barbara.

Where would you most like to live?

Santa Barbara. It’s the most beautiful location on the West Coast. The history, the ambiance, the weather, culture, the beach — I could keep going on but there are too many reasons to list.

What is your most treasured possession?

The ring I wear daily. My great grandfather gave it to me on his 92nd birthday.

Who makes you laugh the most?

My fiancé makes me laugh the most. We always have fun with each other. We always find joy in every situation we are in together.

What is your motto?

Never Quit. The ability to overcome adversity is paramount.

On what occasion do you lie?

Never. It doesn’t get anyone anywhere so there is really no point.