Born in Mexico City, and heavily influenced by his grandmother’s cooking, Paris Retana’s fondest food memory is Sunday brunch at the market in Mexico City.

The vibrant colors and smells, sounds of chefs shouting orders, and the contrasting flavors – savory and sweet, earthy and fresh – stuck with him.

At 18, Paris began his culinary journey and learned both the front and back of the house business at Fajitas Mexican Restaurant near Atlanta, GA.

With his brother’s encouragement, Paris decided to formalize his education and enrolled in the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY, where he completed his courses with honors. This only began to fortify his place as a chef within the restaurant world.

Eager to learn more, Paris continued his journey in San Sebastian, Spain, where he trained in the Michelin Star kitchens of Kokotxa and Kursaal.

Back from Europe, and after graduating from the CIA, he joined Chipotle’s management team in Manhattan.

As the Chef of The Taco Truck, Paris wants to inject the passion he tasted in Spanish cuisine with the intense simplicity of delicious Mexican street food. “The sky is the limit.” – PR