Puesto Welcomes Raul Casillas as New Creative Chef
Big things are happening at Puesto! The beloved San Diego-born Mexican restaurant has appointed Raul Casillas as its new Creative Chef, bringing a fresh perspective, decades of experience, and a deep passion for Mexican cuisine to the table.
Casillas, a San Diego native, has worked in Michelin-starred kitchens, including L’atelier in Las Vegas and Oceanside’s Valle, where he helped the restaurant earn its first Michelin star in 2022.
From Grandmother’s Kitchen to Michelin Stars
Casillas’ culinary journey began in his grandmother’s kitchen, where he developed a love for Mexican flavors and traditions. Growing up between San Diego, Tijuana, Mexicali, and San Ysidro, he was surrounded by authentic, home-cooked meals that shaped his deep appreciation for the cuisine.
Though he initially pursued a career in medicine, his passion for food ultimately led him to Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Las Vegas, where he refined his skills.
His professional path took him to Jaleo, a José Andrés restaurant, where he learned to tell stories through food. He later spent six years at L’atelier by Joël Robuchon, gaining an inside look at what it takes to run a Michelin-starred kitchen.
After returning to Baja California, Casillas connected with Chef Roberto Alcocer and joined the team at Valle—an experience that rekindled his passion for Mexican cooking.
A New Era of Mexican Cuisine at Puesto
As Puesto’s new Creative Chef, Casillas plans to celebrate Mexico’s rich regional diversity by introducing new dishes like tetelas, tlacoyos, mixiotes, and gorditas, each crafted with high-quality ingredients and bold flavors.
His vision is to highlight the nuances of Mexican cuisine, blending traditional techniques with the innovation Puesto is known for.
Of course, Puesto’s famous handmade, non-GMO blue corn tortillas will continue to be the foundation of the menu, ensuring that every bite is authentic, fresh, and delicious.
With Raul Casillas leading the way, Puesto is entering an exciting new chapter—one that promises to elevate Mexican cuisine while staying true to its roots.
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