A new head chef is enhancing The Federal’s dining experience with her “Retro California Fusion Cuisine”, the Pine Avenue restaurant, bar and venue announced.

Tia Baker, an Orange County native who began her career as a pastry chef at the Montage Resort, worked her way from line cook to executive chef at the now-closed The Clubhouse in Costa Mesa and eventually landed at The Cheesecake Factory as its Recipe and Development Training Chef. Baker earned a bachelor’s degree in Culinary Studies from the Art Institute of California – Orange County.

Since Baker was hired in December, she has so far inaugurated monthly “Flights Around the World,” pairing food and flights of alcoholic beverages from different countries. This month, guests can try the Flight to Ireland.

Baker is also working on revamping the everyday menus with what she calls “Retro California Fusion Cuisine”, with the new items expected to be available come mid April, according to a spokesperson for The Federal.

“Working at The Federal offers me the freedom to create the type of cuisine that I not only grew up with, but also helps me utilize what I have been able to learn and develop over the years of my culinary experience,” Baker said in a statement. “The Federal takes a step into the past, with a leap into the future. And that is what I feel my style of cooking represents. Something from the soul, but with a glimpse of what’s to come.”

Those heading into Long Beach on the Metro Blue Line can show their TAP card to their server at The Federal and receive a 10 percent discount on their food, Metro announced last week.

For more information, including upcoming events,visit the website here.

The Federal is located at 102 Pine Avenue.