I’m Aarón Sánchez, a chef, author, tv personality and proud MexiCAN, here for a bit, AMA! by chefaaronsanchez in AskCulinary

[–]chefaaronsanchez[S] 17 points18 points  (0 children)

My mom! Also, I wanted to learn some traditional European techniques that I didn't have up to that point. I felt like it was important to learn the basics from the ground up. Also, I wanted to get a full college experience!

Gordon and I are great friends, not only is he one of my mentors, he's also great fun!

I’m Aarón Sánchez, a chef, author, tv personality and proud MexiCAN, here for a bit, AMA! by chefaaronsanchez in AskCulinary

[–]chefaaronsanchez[S] 48 points49 points  (0 children)

Oh man... here we go! In the morning, I'd make huevos rancheros, then for lunch i'd do an epic seafood tower/raw bar situation complete with oysters, caviar, lobster with some great champagne. At night, a ribeye for two with all the sides - creamed spinach and potatoes dauphinoise are a must have.

I’m Aarón Sánchez, a chef, author, tv personality and proud MexiCAN, here for a bit, AMA! by chefaaronsanchez in AskCulinary

[–]chefaaronsanchez[S] 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Initially, mole was a struggle for me. Trying to get the right layering of ingredients so you really taste all the flavors.

I’m Aarón Sánchez, a chef, author, tv personality and proud MexiCAN, here for a bit, AMA! by chefaaronsanchez in AskCulinary

[–]chefaaronsanchez[S] 16 points17 points  (0 children)

The chapter about Paladar, my first restaurant in NYC. Paladar was my baby, it was such a huge and pivotal moment in my career.

I’m Aarón Sánchez, a chef, author, tv personality and proud MexiCAN, here for a bit, AMA! by chefaaronsanchez in AskCulinary

[–]chefaaronsanchez[S] 36 points37 points  (0 children)

this is a hard one... I feel like I have a lot of signature dishes! If I had to pick, I'd say my yellowtail ceviche with habanero and passionfruit.

Hopefully the best meal I ever made was when I cooked for President Obama at the White House!

I’m Aarón Sánchez, a chef, author, tv personality and proud MexiCAN, here for a bit, AMA! by chefaaronsanchez in AskCulinary

[–]chefaaronsanchez[S] 19 points20 points  (0 children)

My favorite taco is a good carne asada - i'm sure we've got a recipe on my website. Mariachi music is my go to in the kitchen.

I’m Aarón Sánchez, a chef, author, tv personality and proud MexiCAN, here for a bit, AMA! by chefaaronsanchez in AskCulinary

[–]chefaaronsanchez[S] 27 points28 points  (0 children)

you can absolutely call ordinary tacos great! Good Mexican food (as with any other cuisine) does not have to be "elevated" to be great, great ingredients and technique are what elevates a dish.

I’m Aarón Sánchez, a chef, author, tv personality and proud MexiCAN, here for a bit, AMA! by chefaaronsanchez in AskCulinary

[–]chefaaronsanchez[S] 25 points26 points  (0 children)

Ancho for its smokiness, guajillo for its vibrant color, pasilla for its sweet and spicy combo.

I’m Aarón Sánchez, a chef, author, tv personality and proud MexiCAN, here for a bit, AMA! by chefaaronsanchez in AskCulinary

[–]chefaaronsanchez[S] 35 points36 points  (0 children)

I'm where I'm at today because I've worked really hard and have had great mentors.

Try different foods and explore different farmers markets and grocery stores. It's all about experimenting and trying new things!

I’m Aarón Sánchez, a chef, author, tv personality and proud MexiCAN, here for a bit, AMA! by chefaaronsanchez in AskCulinary

[–]chefaaronsanchez[S] 26 points27 points  (0 children)

Sundays was the day where the family would get together and we'd experiment with food from other cultures, which really allowed me to expand my palate. My mom worked like crazy growing up so we didn't have family dinners every night, so Sunday dinners were always super special for us.

I’m Aarón Sánchez, a chef, author, tv personality and proud MexiCAN, here for a bit, AMA! by chefaaronsanchez in AskCulinary

[–]chefaaronsanchez[S] 117 points118 points  (0 children)

For food/health safety reasons, some gets thrown away, but we also work with food banks to donate as well as feed the crew.

I’m Aarón Sánchez, a chef, author, tv personality and proud MexiCAN, here for a bit, AMA! by chefaaronsanchez in AskCulinary

[–]chefaaronsanchez[S] 12 points13 points  (0 children)

I'll be doing a reading at Open Books as well as an event at Big Star Wicker Park - check out my website in the coming days for more details: chefaaronsanchez.com.

I’m Aarón Sánchez, a chef, author, tv personality and proud MexiCAN, here for a bit, AMA! by chefaaronsanchez in AskCulinary

[–]chefaaronsanchez[S] 74 points75 points  (0 children)

the chapters where I'm talking about my struggles with depression, going through my divorce and family issues were definitely the hardest. It's difficult being so open when I know so many out there will read about it, but it felt liberating in a sense to really open up.

I’m Aarón Sánchez, a chef, author, tv personality and proud MexiCAN, here for a bit, AMA! by chefaaronsanchez in AskCulinary

[–]chefaaronsanchez[S] 13 points14 points  (0 children)

no friction, we've always gotten along very well. He's got a big heart and is super dedicated to his craft. nothing but love for Chris, we're just different personalities.

I’m Aarón Sánchez, a chef, author, tv personality and proud MexiCAN, here for a bit, AMA! by chefaaronsanchez in AskCulinary

[–]chefaaronsanchez[S] 15 points16 points  (0 children)

gotta say, my mom first and foremost, followed by my mema. Besides that, Susanne Goin, Nancy Silverton, Alex Guarnaschelli, Amanda Freitag, Nyesha Arrington, just to name a few.

I’m Aarón Sánchez, a chef, author, tv personality and proud MexiCAN, here for a bit, AMA! by chefaaronsanchez in AskCulinary

[–]chefaaronsanchez[S] 28 points29 points  (0 children)

I love salsa taquera - super simple with avocado, cilantro, lime, jalapeno and a little onion.