DIEGO GALICIA | Chef/Co-Owner | Mixtli | San Antonio, Texas
Mixtli opened in 2013 to rave reviews. Diego Galicia and his chef partner and co-owner, Rico Torres, have been regularly recognized and praised by critics as leaders in the culinary community in SanAntonio. Mixtli is the natural evolution to serve their next higher purpose - to re-embrace their heritage and to create. In April 2017 the pair was recognized as Food & Wine Magazine’s “Best New Chefs,” and they have also been featured in TexasMonthly, USAToday, Travel Channel, and more.
Born in Toluca, Mexico, in 1984, Galicia moved to SanAntonio in 2002. He studied psychology at The University of Texas at San Antonio for a few years before switching to culinary and graduating from The Culinary Institute of America in San Antonio (CIA).
While a student at the CIA, Galicia worked with the best of the city, including Chef John Besh’s restaurant Lüke, and on weekday mornings at Patty Lou's at the Olmos Pharmacy. Following his time at the CIA, Galicia had the opportunity to work in his native Mexico at Azul Condesa, which is owned by renowned Chef Ricardo Muñoz. Galicia diversified his culinary experience by working at Michelin‐starred restaurants Atelier Crenn in SanFrancisco and Moto in Chicago.
Galicia always had the dream of opening his own restaurant. While cultivating his dreams, he worked at Texas fast food chain Taco Cabana in order to save funds to open Mixtli. Galicia was instrumental in reinvigorating the restaurant chain’s menu with creativity during his time there.
RICO TORRES | Chef/Co-Owner | Mixtli | San Antonio, Texas
Rico Torres is chef and co-owner at Mixtli, which is the natural evolution serving his next higher purpose to re-embrace his heritage and to create. Torres and Galicia have recently been awarded 2017’s Food & Wine Magazine’s “Best New Chefs,” presented to only 12 chefs in the country, for their unique concept with Mixtli. Torres has also been featured in Texas Monthly, USA Today, Travel Channel, and more.
Torres was born in El Paso, Texas, in 1978. Early on, he was immersed in the heritage of Zacatecas and greater Mexico, both in travel and through daily life. Even as a child Torres knew immediately that the kitchen held his heart.
In October 2003, Torres started a small catering service called Rico Caters. Thecompany quickly became known for its innovative cuisine and exceptional customer service. Torres also staged and cooked in different kitchens around the country through the years.
In 2013, Torres opened Mixtli with Chef Diego Galicia and has continued to dedicate himself to his craft. Each time a new menu concept is developed for Mixtli, Torres researches for countless of hours at The University of Texas at San Antonio’s library, where he has a special partnership and is able to review historic Mexican cookbooks and recipes for inspiration.
Torres currently resides in San Antonio.