Chef Lauro Romero
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Lauro Romero, founder of the famed Mexican restaurant Clandestino in Portland, Oregon, died last Friday at age 42. Romero also was known for leading the kitchen at Republica, which was nominated for a James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant and was named Best New Restaurant of 2021 by Portland Monthly. Most recently Romero was chef of Bellpine, a restaurant in the Portland Ritz-Carlton.
Romero's biography on the Clandestino website reads, in part: "A native of Tulancingo, Hidalgo, Chef Lauro Romero takes inspiration from his early days growing up in the Hidalguense region. His story is a familiar migrant tale; after leaving Tulancingo at the age of 14 pursuing the dream of a better life, he arrived in Salt Lake City, Utah where he got his first restaurant experience. Starting off as many immigrants do - in the dish pit - he worked his way up the ranks in kitchens and never looked back, working until he reached the coveted title of Executive Chef."
In an Instagram post, Clandestino honored their late chef: "It is with heavy hearts that we are sharing the news of the passing of our dear, beloved Chef Lauro Romero. Lauro passed peacefully in his sleep the morning of Friday, February 16th....He was a true inspiration and a pioneer going on to not only make his mark on the Portland food scene, but also went as far as transforming what it looks like. Lauro led with quiet confidence, always sure of who he was, showing boundless creativity and an incomparable talent."
A GoFundMe campaign has been established to support his family, including two young daughters. Click here to donate.