Chef Carlos Gaytán's Michelin Story Highlighted

Chef Carlos Gaytán's journey began in Huitzuco, Mexico, where he learned to cook from his mother and farm with his grandfather. At the age of 20, he moved to Chicago and started his culinary career as a dishwasher at the Sheraton North Shore Hotel. His ambition led him through the ranks at esteemed Chicago establishments like the Union League Club and Bistro Margot, where he honed his skills in French cuisine under Chef Dominique Tougne. This fusion of his Mexican heritage and classic French technique became his signature style. In 2008, Gaytán opened his first restaurant, Mexique, in West Town. [The restaurant was awarded](https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQEMFsSGB6rk1QwGVo-tSxDKTFlxid9nMEkBofQuvto2IZWqqmLb3kRHXDdfwgM4erSo6lkye3PImgVV33gal0pDhhFMcfYdS5bcIcBKBCVcIqWakJrHIBw9lF_murylD38-F5K4hA_2RuxQCEAk9RJDTeguwxIUWwfr) a Michelin star in 2013, making him the first Mexican-born chef to earn the prestigious honor. Mexique held its star for 2014 as well, cementing its place in Chicago's culinary scene before closing in 2018. After closing Mexique, Gaytán spent a year in Mexico reconnecting with his roots before returning to Chicago to open Tzuco in River North in 2019. The name "Tzuco" is a shortened version of his hometown, Huitzuco. The restaurant was a James Beard Foundation semifinalist for Best New Restaurant in 2020. Alongside Tzuco, he also opened a fast-casual bakery concept called Panango and an intimate 12-seat tasting menu restaurant, Tales of Carlos Gaytán. Gaytán's culinary empire continues to expand. He holds another Michelin star for his restaurant Ha' at the Hotel Xcaret in Mexico. More recently, he has partnered with the Patina Restaurant Group to open three new concepts at Downtown Disney: Paseo, Céntrico, and Tiendita.