CHEF LUCHO SHOWS HIS APPRECIATION FOR HIS MEXICAN CULTURE THROUGH FOOD
Lucho Martínez AKA Chef Lucho is not only a mastermind in the kitchen, but he also creates tasty and unique meals influenced by his Mexican culture which allows him to bring the most authentic experience to everyone who patronizes his restaurants.
Originally from Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz, chef Lucho Martinez spent part of his childhood in Nashville, Tennessee, before venturing into his first formal kitchen job at the young age of 14. Lucho went on to join Jorge Vallejo’s acclaimed Quintonil, a pioneer in Mexico City’s dining scene, followed by a stint at chef Eduardo García’s Maximo Bistro in Colonia Roma, which instilled in Lucho a passion for revitalizing traditional Mexican cuisine with a range of innovative techniques.
Today, at his own restaurant Em in Mexico City, Lucho draws on his unique experiences and singular creativity to craft a space for the meeting of Mexican cuisine with international influences. If you’d like to learn a little more about Chef Lucho, keep reading below!
FEATURE INTERVIEW:
WHEN DID YOU FIRST FALL IN LOVE WITH FOOD?
When I was 5-6 years old and had to cook for myself, that was my first encounter. It was at 14-17 years old that I genuinely fell in love with food.
WHAT SPICES ARE YOUR FAVORITE?
White pepper, Anise, Clove, Cardamom.
WHEN DID YOU OPEN YOUR FIRST RESTAURANT AND HOW DOES IT DIFFER FROM THE OTHERS YOU CURRENTLY HAVE?
Emilia in 2018 is very personal, it’s my expression and essence. It’s how I see Mexico through my eyes.
SEAFOOD IS NOT WHAT U THINK OF WHEN YOU THINK OF CDMX, WHAT CAUSED YOU TO DISRUPT THE SCENE HERE WITH YOUR NEW RESTAURANT?
My main idea is to bring people together, while I cook what I enjoy the most (seafood and fish). I was born by the sea, and I wanted to reclaim that in my life and keep it close to me! This new place is chaotic, fun, and bustling.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ITEM ON THE MENU?
The seafood platter and everything that comes from the grill.
WHAT IS ONE THING EVERYONE SHOULD TRY WHEN THEY COME TO CDMX?
Multiple tacos! Tacos de fideo & tuétano from Siembra. Taco de pastor from Vilsito. Taco de chamorro from Comal Oculto. Taco de Pescado a la Talla from Contramar Quesabirria from Máximo.
WHAT IS YOUR INSPIRATION?
Mexico!
WHO ARE YOUR HEROES?
Bruce Lee. Michael Jordan, Steve Jobs, Toshio Saito.
WHAT DOES A GOOD MEXICAN MEAL CONSIST OF?
A good tortilla, a good salsa and a long sobremesa.
WHAT IS NEXT FOR YOU IN 2024?
Continuing to position Mexico on a global scale, while also celebrating and promoting my culture, contributing to the global appreciation of Mexican heritage.
TEAM CREDITS:
Editor in Chief: Prince Chenoa (@princechenoastudio)
Feature Editor: Taylor Winter Wilson (@taylorwinter)
