Meet Armando Quiroz | Chef

We had the good fortune of connecting with Armando Quiroz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Armando, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
One thing I think people don’t really understand is the time and effort we really put into creating something for the people that enjoy the food. it takes a toll on the body and mind but for people in the service industry we understand what it takes and we love every bit of it!. just knowing I can make someones day with a delicious meal is worth it.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My name is Armando Quiroz and I am a born and raised LA Chef who has worked all over la. I’ve been cooking now for more than 11 years graduating from le cordon blue in Pasadena in 20011, attending this school right after high school felt like the right thing to do for my life. during my time at LCB I acquired a job From my internship program at palomino a Mediterranean restaurant where I made it home for the next couple of years quickly moving up to my first sous chef position which was not an easy transition, coming from working with an older generation of chef I had gain their respects and show I could be a great fit for the position. Soon after I felt like I couldn’t grow any further I moved on to different restaurants learning different styles of cuisine and meeting different types of people at the same time searching for who I was and what type of chef I wanted to be.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Growing up in Los Angeles to me was always an adventure and the best thing in life. the food scene and culture is amazing there really is something for everyone and everything depending on what your mood is going to a nice night out in WEHO to getting tacos in east LA. some of my favorite spots are scattered around and always a good hunt. going to Afuri for some ramen when its nice a chilly outside to going to your local night market for snacks or for something you didn’t know you wanted. having a dinner at Ysabel or Manna for Korean BBQ and maybe hitting karaoke after for some drinks then ending the night at a bar maybe going out to employees or The Roger room for a nice cocktail or going to holiday bar in east LA for a beer.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have a lot to be thankful for being where Im at today in life. coming up in a tough industry my chefs and mentors from both back of house and front of house have given me the steps and tools for me to be the best I can be. from the first chef I’ve ever had chef verite mazzola when I was 18 years old who took a chance with a kid fresh from culinary school to my chef and mentor now chef victor Munoz who also saw something in me and pushed me to the potential I didn’t realize I had in me.

Instagram: chefarmandoquiroz

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/armando-quiroz-19b1b1166

Image Credits
Max Milla www.mxmilla.com