A native of rural Oregon, Wisconsin, Wagner assumed responsibility for maintaining the family garden adding an extensive herb garden with a selection of more than 100 herbs and spices.“Everything I learned about optimal organic flavors was in my parent’s backyard,” states Wagner.  

Persistent on pursuing a career as a chef, Wagner moved to San Francisco to enroll at the prestigious California Culinary Academy.  Shortly thereafter, he was hired as a pastry assistant for San Francisco renowned MECCA.  He was rapidly promoted to sous-chef under the guiding influence and culinary infusion of Michael Fennelly, who was voted America’s Chef of the Year 1993, and Hugh Acheson, Food and Wine Magazine’s Best New Chef 2000.

“MECCA was a true growing experience for me,” said Wagner.  “Both Acheson and Fennelly taught me how to push my culinary boundaries to add spice and flavor into my cooking.”

Chef Scott’s contemporary cuisine has been praised in Orange County’s Riviera Magazine and he has received national exposure as a guest chef on Bravo’s hit show “Queer Eye for a Straight Girl.”  He is also a frequent guest on San Diego’s top rated cable news station KUSI. Wagner regularly contributes his cooking skills to charitable events benefiting Cerebral Palsy Center at Children’s Hospital San Diego and feeding disadvantaged individuals at MAMA’S KITCHEN in Escondido.