How did you go from being the manager at a Thai restaurant to opening La Carta de Oaxaca?
My mother came from Oaxaca to visit me, and she cooked a meal for my boss. He tried her food and said, "Very good. Let's get you a restaurant." We had to wait a few years, though, for my family to move to Seattle. My former boss is now my partner.
So your family runs this place?
Yes. Everything is made from scratch in our kitchens, and my mother is the head chef.
Does Americanized Mexican food piss you off?
What I don't like about Americanized Mexican food is its huge portions and high prices. You are usually just paying for an expensive plate of red beans and cheese, without any flavor. Here we have the idea of small portions and lower prices. You can get two dishes for $11â$12.
Reveal to me your dream-job fantasies.
Right now, we have three partners, and I am the manager and part-owner. Eventually, I would love to be the sole owner. I love my job, and I want to continue doing what I do.
Interview by Cienna Madrid
