In this episode, Claudia and Spencer talk with Chef Carlos Lopez Muñoz, the creative force behind Istmo, one of Chicago’s most talked-about new Oaxacan restaurants 🌆. Carlos shares his inspiring journey from childhood kitchens in Oaxaca, Mexico 🇲🇽 to playing professional soccer in Finland, to coming back to his roots to lead the charge in modern Mexican fine dining.

He opens up about how his grandmother’s cooking sparked his lifelong love for food, the lessons he’s carried from sports to the kitchen, and how he balances authenticity with accessibility for new diners. From the soulful layers of mole 🌶️ to the global influences that shaped his craft, Carlos reveals the storytelling power behind every plate.

You’ll hear about:

🍽️ Going from pro-soccer star to Chef 

🍽️ Honoring heritage while redefining Mexican cuisine

🍽️ The art of building trust and partnerships in hospitality

🍽️ His upcoming book exploring Lebanese influences in Oaxacan cooking

🍽️ Why authenticity and creativity must go hand-in-hand in fine dining

Whether you’re a chef, foodie, or cultural storyteller, this conversation will leave you hungry for more, and inspired by the flavors of identity, memory, and innovation.

So You Want to Know More About Chef Carlos?

Website: https://www.istmochicago.com/

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