Claudette Zepeda Biography – Claudette Zepeda Wiki
Claudette Zepeda is an executive chef, at El Jardín a modern Mexican restaurant that opened in 2018. She is a resident of San Diego, California. She has also served as the Creative Director/ Consulting Chef of VAGA Restaurant in San Diego, California. Her restaurant, El Jardín, is inspired by the regional cuisine in Mexico, where her passion for food was first cultivated, El Jardín is an expression of her culinary journey as a chef. Born in the U.S. and raised between Tijuana and San Diego, she credits the confluence of flavors and ingredients she was exposed to while spending time with family in Tijuana and Guadalajara. She also spent time with her aunt Lorenza who owned her own restaurant and credits this as paving the way for her eventual career. Prior to her role with El Jardín and her partnership with Rise & Shine Restaurant Group, she served as Chef de Cuisine at Javier Plascencia’s celebrated Bracero in San Diego’s Little Italy. Prior, she worked in pastry, including time spent alongside Chef Gavin Kaysen at his former San Diego restaurant, El Bizcocho. Chef Claudette previously competed on season two of Top Chef Mexico Season 2.
She garnered national acclaim for her time as the executive chef & partner behind El Jardín, a regional Mexican restaurant in the area. During her tenure, El Jardín received a glowing review from the New York Times, inclusion on Esquire’s 2018 Best New Restaurants, and recognition from Michelin on their 2019 Bib Gourmand list. Zepeda was named both Eater San Diego and San Diego Union Tribune’s Chef of the Year in 2018 and was a James Beard Best Chef West semifinalist in 2019. Prior to El Jardín, Zepeda was chef de cuisine at Javier Plascencia’s celebrated Bracero and competed on Top Chef Season 15 and Top Chef Mexico Season 2.
According to her website, In 2019 she founded Viva La Vida, LLC., establishing micro-businesses with single mothers throughout Mexico’s seven regions to import their heirloom ingredients previously unavailable in the U.S. Through Viva La Vida, Zepeda helps Mexican women support their families without sacrificing their safety. Named for a famous Frida Kahlo quote, the company celebrates the colorful life and death Mexicans lead, with plans to grow into a multi-unit concept dedicated to helping women break from generational poverty.
Claudette Zepeda Age
She was born in the United States and was raised between Tijuana and San Diego. She credits the confluence of flavors and ingredients she was exposed to while spending time with family in Tijuana and Guadalajara.
Claudette Zepeda Husband
She was married. However, her ex-husband’s name is not in the public domain. The couple had two children. She is currently single.
Claudette Zepeda Children
She has two children, her son James and daughter Hailey.
Claudette Zepeda Height
She stands at a listed height of 5 feet 3 inches tall.
Claudette Zepeda Instagram
Her Instagram handle is @claudetteazepeda.
