Q&A: #Drive305 x Chef Lorena Garcia

Photography by Richard Alvarez on May 7th, 2021 in #Drive305 presented by THE COLLECTION & World Red Eye, Editorials, Lifestyle

#Drive305 x Chef Lorena Garcia from World Red Eye Films on Vimeo.

Miami, FL – May 7, 2021 – Say hello to the head chica in charge! Continuing our partnership with THE COLLECTION for #Drive305, WRE collaborated with celebrity chef Lorena Garcia, best known for her global, fresh and highly flavorful take on Latin Cuisine, to explore the all-new Aston Martin DBX.

Not only a master chef in the kitchen, Lorena is truly a jack of all trades, balancing life as an entrepreneur, cookbook author, media personality, cookware designer, and restaurateur, trailblazing the path for women in the culinary and business world one step at a time. She is recognized for her television roles on Top Chef Masters, America’s Next Great Restaurant, and two time Emmy winning morning show Despierta America on Univision, in addition to her two bestselling cookbooks. In 2017 she collaborated with the award-winning international hospitality group 50 Eggs Inc. landing her on the world famous Las Vegas Strip with her restaurant, CHICA by Lorena Garcia, located at The Venetian. The expansion of the CHICA brand brought Garcia back home to South Florida when the concept opened its second location in Miami’s historic MiMo district in late-2019.

As Lorena is always on the go running from project to project, we decided to pair her with a car that balances aesthetics and luxury with comfort and utility, the perfect combination for an entrepreneur like herself. Lorena took WRE for a drive in the DBX for a behind the scenes look at a day in her life and discussed her experience working with THE COLLECTION. Read the full Q&A below.

By Gaby Cuevas

Lorena Garcia

WRE: As one of the nation’s top celebrity chefs, you are known worldwide for your masterful take on Latin cuisine. How did you first get your start in the culinary industry?

Lorena Garcia: Since I was 6 years old, I remember making arepas! Arepas are a staple corn biscuit in Venezuela. Whenever I was in a kitchen full of flour, I always felt at home, and thats how I knew I loved to cook. After going to law school, I decided to change gears and stared culinary school, traveling the world to-learn new techniques from the best chefs, then back to my kitchen and applying all that knowledge to my cooking.

WRE: You originally went to school in your home country of Venezuela to become a lawyer. What made you switch paths to pursue a career as a chef?

LG: I graduated very young. My family advised me to go to law school when I graduated, so it seemed natural at the time. Once I realized my passion lay in the culinary world, I decided to follow that passion and after graduating, I enrolled in Johnson and Wales University, one of the top culinary schools in the country. The rest is history.

Lorena Garcia

WRE: In 2013 you partnered with 50 Eggs Inc. to launch CHICA in Las Vegas, and now Miami. Tell us more about this partnership and your experience working together.

LG: John Kunkel and I have known each other for many years and finally decided to come together in 2013. With John leading the charts as one of the best restauranteurs/operators in the country, it seemed only natural and organic to join forces and bring CHICA to life in 2015. The fact that 50 Eggs’s homebase is in Miami also gave me the reassurance that they have a special understanding of the Latin flavors as a culture.

WRE: The opening of CHICA in Las Vegas landed you on the coveted “Restaurant Row at The Venetian” as the first woman chef, alongside legends Thomas Keller and Emeril Lagasse. What did this amazing accomplishment mean to you?

LG: As a woman, I feel empowered and motivated to continue to work hard and reach my goals. I am honored and grateful to be in the company of such an incredible line up of chefs that I admire, but most of all I am thankful for the opportunity to hopefully inspire future female chefs to continue following their dreams.

Lorena Garcia

I am thankful for the opportunity to hopefully inspire future female chefs to continue following their dreams.

Lorena Garcia

WRE: Miami is known as a melting pot of cultures and home to a plethora of Latin-inspired restaurants. What sets CHICA apart from other Latin food spots?

LG: Where to start? First off, our beautiful decor that has been given the “Best Design” award before. Our exceptional mixology program with delicious cocktails presented in a very unique way, our upscale menu crafted with the absolute best ingredients, delightful presentation, and attention to detail that represents the celebration of Latin Flavors. If we factor in live music and live entertainment, CHICA also provides stellar options from CHICA nights and rosé sunsets, to the terrace or happy hour. CHICA sets itself apart because it truly represents the Latin culture like no where else.

Lorena Garcia

Lorena Garcia

WRE: Tell us about your experience working with THE COLLECTION.

LG: I had a great experience working with THE COLLECTION. They were extremely thorough and helpful in explaining every detail of the car, made sure the lending process was seamless and efficient, and were incredibly professional and attentive throughout the entire process.

WRE: What was your favorite feature of the Aston Martin DBX?

LG: The Aston Martin DBX’s beautiful interior design really stood out to me. Not to mention the large amount of cargo space it comes with is definitely a plus.

Lorena Garcia

Lorena Garcia

CHICA sets itself apart because it truly represents the Latin culture like no where else.

Lorena Garcia

Lorena Garcia

WRE: What do you hope to communicate to people through your meals? What exactly do you want them to experience?

LG: Whether its brunch, lunch, happy hour or dinner I always strive to deliver and emphasize the vibrant and bold flavors of Latin cuisine. I want people to walk way with an experience that they will never forget and that will keep them coming back for more.

WRE: What is one of your favorite recipes/meals that you find yourself going back to often?

LG: Its hard for me to pick just one, but my arepitas basket is a must! CHICA’s ceviches, roasted chicken, parrillada mix cuts, and even our delicious tres leches are all great choices as well. I pick them all!

Lorena Garcia

WRE:Tell us more about your non-profit organization “Big Chef, Little Chef.” What inspired you to start this project?

LG: Working with kids has always been part of what I do; spreading good eating habits and new cooking practices to the next generation is extremely important to me. I founded “Big Chef, Little Chef” fifteen years ago to create a safe space for kids to explore their creativity in the kitchen.