First Michelin-Starred Mexican Chef To Offer Unique Dining Experience in Chicago

Chef Carlos Gaytan, the first Mexican chef to earn the coveted Michelin star, offers three new dining experiences in Chicago.

The decorated chef is looking to open a 12-seater restaurant, Tales of Carlos Gaytan, in Chicago in the fall. 

Gaytan arrived in Chicago in early 1991. He started out working as a pantry cook at Sheraton North Shore Hotel where he stayed until he was promoted to line cook. 

Gaytan won several awards for his ability to carve ice, fruits, and vegetables. He also earned a position as Chef Garde Manger at the Union League Club of Chicago in 1996. 

In 2004, he worked with French Chef Dominique Tougne at Bistrot Margot where he was the Chef de Cuisine. His work there saw him participating in events such as the Confrerie de la Chaide de Rotisseurs, the Moet and Chandon Brunch, and the Annual Flora Springs Dinner Auction in Napa Valley.

After opening Mexique in May 2008, the chef received much recognition including one of Chicago magazine's top new restaurants of 2009, the best restaurant of 2010, and a Michelin Star in 2013. 

Carlos Gaytan also placed third in the New Orleans season of Top Chef. 

The prominent chef was known for his restaurant Mexique which offered pioneering flavors from a fusion of Mexican and French cuisine before it closed its doors in 2018 after a ten-year run.

Mexique previously held a Michelin star in the years 2013 and 2014. Gaytan said his decision to shut down his famed restaurant was because he felt "it was time to try something new."

"Mexique has always been very special for me. It put me on the map," he said. "It was difficult to close. It hurt. But it's something I'll always be grateful for and will forever carry Mexique in my heart."

Gaytan went back to Mexico to focus on his new restaurant at the Hotel Xcaret, vowing he will come back to Chicago.

In a cryptic Instagram post in May 2019, he announced his return with Tzuco which opened last year on September 16 in the Gold Coast neighborhood. Tzuco boasted 120 seats and a menu of French-Mexican fusion. 

(Photo : Instagram/chefcarlosgaytan)
Tzuco by Chef Carlos Gaytan

In November 2019, he opened his second venture, Panago, which is a grab and go bakery sharing the same space with his two new River North restaurants. The bakery will host an array of bread, sweets, soups, and breakfast items that complement Tzuco, his small plate restaurant, and Tales of Carlos Gaytan, his fine-dining spot. 

The Michelin-starred chef is poised to open his most personal restaurant, Tales of Carlos Gaytan, in early March. 

The fine-dining restaurant will be open three days a week and will serve an 11-course tasting menu.

"This one is very small, so it's going to be detailed and execution is going to be more precise than everything else," Gaytán said. "It will be very intimate."

Tales of Carlos Gaytan will feature flavors that "have a story behind it." 

Gaytan bought the space in River North and began mentoring Mexican chefs as he prepared his restaurant project. 

The opening menu at Tales will have "flavors related to home," and will aim to "transport diners through time and place."

Tales of Carlos Gaytan, Panago, and Tzuco are located on 720 N. State Street, Chicago.