Haz clic aquí para leer esto en español
Chef Francisco Aguilar
“In a city full of storytellers, for L.A.’s hospitality professionals, it isn’t just about what is on the plate or in the glass. It’s about using California’s coveted ingredients to weave a more intimate narrative and to share those stories with guests and peers. And although economic forces continue to cause challenges and create constraints, there is an emerging generation of chefs, bartenders, artisans, and restaurateurs who are ready to steer L.A. towards an even more creative, hospitable, and flavorful future.”
With that introduction, StarChefs announced its list of 2024 StarChefs Los Angeles Rising Stars — a list that includes Rising Star Chef Francisco Aguilar of food truck Simón.
Aguilar’s childhood fascination with all things culinary began while his mother and grandmother prepared meals in the family’s kitchen in Oaxaca. It grew into a career that carried him to Los Angeles, where he eventually landed a spot cooking under Chef Joshua Gil at Mírame, and later left to launch Simón — a spot Starchefs describes as “a vibrant seafood-focused food truck serving updated, outside-the-box takes on traditional Mexican dishes that’s now a fixture in the Silver Lake neighborhood,” where he is “rethinking formats and protein pairings through preparations like his shrimp enchilada suiza with salsa verde, Monterey Jack cheese, and lime-habanero crema.”
Next up: Aguilar remains focused on supporting his team and growing his business, and has plans to debut a 28-seat, meat-driven brick-and-mortar version of Simón.
Congratulations, Chef!
Don't miss a thing! Subscribe to el Restaurante's digital publications for free by clicking here.