About Me

My Story

I like to cook with color and bold flavors. Native from central Mexico and the youngest of five siblings, I moved with my family to Wisconsin in my mid-teenage years.

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I married into a family of restaurateurs and fell in love with the industry, and my in-laws were my mentors in getting me started in my cooking journey and getting me sharing with me some traditional regional Mexican cuisine. As I  grow my culinary knowledge and skills, I enjoy doing research activities to also get familiar with Central and South American culinary History.

I am a self-taught chef, but I have had the opportunity to experience the leadership of world-known Chef Charlie Trotter in Chicago and be briefly mentored by Chef Jose Andres. In 2006 my wife Citlali and I decided to venture in our own and opened Antigua Latin Inspired Kitchen, in the city of West Allis.  My passion and dedication to the culinary arts are shown at Antigua as the menu is in constant evolution.

I became an American Culinary Federation member in 2012 where I served as chair of the membership committee and was then elected Secretary of the board. To stay competitive and up to date, I have attended several workshops and seminars across the United States, at reputable institutions such as Sullivan University, Kendall College, the Art Institute, and the French Pastry School in Chicago, and I am currently finishing my degree of Culinary Arts at the Milwaukee Area Technical College.

Along with my wife, we have become known as community leaders for our participation in different activities such as the Burnham Point Association, which is a gear for businesses to be aware of their communities and the impact they create around us. I was the second runner-up for the American Culinary Federation (ACF) Milwaukee Chapter Chef of the Year in 2014 and received the chapter’s Rising Star award. I also received the Steady Eddy Award for my continued contributions to the ACF Milwaukee chapter.

I have been featured in local newspapers, have participated in food festivals, and have done a number of presentations on TV along the Milwaukee metro area. I also teach some of the hands-on cooking classes at Antigua and have done demonstrations for other culinarians at the Milwaukee Area Technical College.

In November of 2022, I received the  “Outstanding Citizens Abroad” from Mexico's government. This recognition, granted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the IME, is given to Mexican nationals who have lived abroad for at least the last 5 years without interruption and who demonstrate an outstanding career in any field of human endeavor. It is the highest honor given by the Mexican Government to citizens residing abroad who are making a difference in their communities while showcasing the Mexican culture.