Valle de Guadalupe is not only Mexico's fastest growing wine region, it is also home to an impressive culinary scene. For several years now, food lovers from around the world have been flocking to the Valley to sample the exquisite menus of some of the most renowned chefs south of the border. One of them is Drew Deckman, winner of a Michelin star, who came to Valle de Guadalupe to present a delicious culinary proposal specially designed for visitors to the region. But there is more, which is why below we invite you to learn the story of two chefs who aspire to become Michelin Star restaurants in Valle de Guadalupe.
Michelin Star restaurants Valle de Guadalupe
First, it should be noted that restaurants in Mexico are not yet eligible for Michelin stars until 2023. However, the first Michelin Guide for California is available as of 2019.
Having clarified this, the restaurants in Valle de Guadalupe, punctually, aspire to obtain in the near future the prestigious Michelin star: the highest distinction for restaurants and hotels recognized for the extreme quality of their food and services.
One of these places is Deckman's in the Mogor. This restaurant is so well known that travelers and food lovers from all over the world head to the Valley just to visit it and savor its dishes. Located inside the Mogor-Badan vineyards, it is owned and operated by chef Drew Deckman, originally from Georgia, USA, who earned his prestigious Michelin star while working at Vitrus restaurant in Germany.
While his project was intended to run for only a year, things changed when Deckman fell in love with the Valle de Guadalupe. Here the open-air kitchen offers an intimate view of how the chef works his magic. All meals are prepared to order for optimal freshness. If diners have dietary restrictions, the staff is more than willing to accommodate their needs.
Deckman's menu is a blend of traditional northern Baja California dishes, southern U.S. style barbecue and a touch of European inspiration. Like other locations in Valle de Guadalupe, Deckman's at the Mogor is dedicated to using sustainable ingredients that are sourced locally in the valley.
Another renowned chef in Valle de Guadalupe is Californian Roberto Alcocer, who today has his acclaimed restaurant Malva, opened in 2014.
Alcocer grew up in Ensenada and, as a student and new chef, traveled the world to work and learn in many notable kitchens and Michelin-starred restaurants. In an interview for Los Angeles Time, the Californian acknowledged that he has his sights set on at least one Michelin star for Valle.
"Michelin has been in my head since day one. I started my cooking career 20 years ago as an apprentice in a Michelin-starred restaurant in France. If I left my stability and moved to another country, I'm going to play for all the marbles," he said.
Malva's kitchen and dining room are completely open-air, so guests will enjoy a unique view of the vineyards and herb garden that this splendid location offers.
Alcocer is praised for its 10-course tasting menus that are great for sharing with family and friends. And while there are many delicious options, the fresh grilled oysters from the Baja California bay will blow your mind. Another must-try dish is one of the region's most prized seafood: sea urchin. The chef doesn't settle for the traditional sashimi presentation, but offers it in creamy, shiny croquettes with just a hint of dried chili sauce. Another seafood masterpiece is octopus, which Alcocer serves in a chileatole; a broth made with poblano chiles and topped with white corn kernels and marrow.
As you can see, there are first class culinary options in Valle de Guadalupe. So, don't think twice and come and taste the best of the Mexican wine region with these great chefs!
