Chef Santiago M. Romero takes the time to talk with us about his business El Arte Culnario. A personal chef who is passionate about gastronomy and sharing complete home catering services. This exclusive interview not only tells you about his business but his story of how he landed in Sayulita. You do not want to miss out!
1. Can you tell me a little about yourself?
My name is Santiago, I was born in the city of Córdoba, Argentina: I have been passionate about gastronomy since I was very young. In my family's restaurants, I discovered my love for cooking by watching my grandmother make magic with her dishes.
2. How did you land in Sayulita?
After several trips around Mexico, a personal situation led me to make a quick decision, I decided to go to Sayulita to try my luck in a new place.
3. How long have you lived in Sayulita? What is your favorite part?
I arrived in Sayulita 4 years ago, since then I have lived between Sayulita and San Pancho, now Sayulita truly feels like home. My favorite part about Sayulita is her dynamic, changing energy, not knowing what is going to happen tomorrow, who you will meet. I love the cultural diversity that is gathered in this one place.
5. Can you tell me what inspired you to start your business?
I originally starting working for another person who did catering, yet this made me understand that I did not feel comfortable using my knowledge so that another person could earn a lot of money and I would take a small part of my work, so it was obvious, why work for someone else? I can work for myself...
6. What services do you offer?
I offer private chef services, catering, family diets, gastronomic tour experiences on different beaches, romantic surprises, canapés tables and much more!
7. Can you tell me a little about your experience with this industry?
I have worked from a young age in my family restaurants- stirring pots, washing dishes and soaking up many generations of passion for food. More recently, I have almost finished my degree in international comprehensive gastronomy and I have traveled the world learning from different chefs and cultures.
8. How long has your business been in operation?
El Arte Culinario started 3 years ago here in Mexico , it was a difficult decision and it was a very hard road to get here and now. The first years were very cruel I could hardly survive with the services I got, but I did not give up, I knew that I offered a good product and all that was missing was for it to become known.
9. What does your business offer that sets it apart from the rest?
I am not a common chef , I do not look at food as such , as just food ; I try to create a culinary experience that stimulates the 5 basic senses of us human beings, that our whole being is inspired with the details of my service. I consider myself very artistic and I use techniques of haute cuisine and molecular gastronomy, and above all , absolute love and respect for what I do .
10. What are your future plans for your business? Any new goals?
My plans is to continue growing, continue learning and be able to open my own restaurant here in Sayulita. I have a big dream to bring Sayulita and myself our first Michelin star!
11. Can you share a happy memory with a client?
I remember the first luxury service that I provided in Nayarit , I had never thought so much and worked so hard to provide my service , after concluding and serving the dessert the guests stood up from their chairs and applauded me for 10 minutes- I started crying like a child. There I understood that I loved my work more than I thought.
12. Is there something special you want to share?
Gastronomy is not as simple as lots of ingredients on a plate, it is an expression of art, in which each ingredient fulfills its specific function, its cooking time, its color, its flavor, its complementation in harmony with the rest. Food is not just flavor; it is smell, it is textures, it is sounds it is an expression of art in many forms.
