WITH

Chef Amar Santana

Vaca and Top Chef veteran

 

The Top Chef veteran has channeled his culinary expertise into creating authentic Spanish tapas at Vaca Costa Mesa. Chef Amar Santana discusses his biggest takeaway from his time on Top Chef, what draws him to Spanish cuisine and more!

 

What was the biggest lesson you learned during your time on TOP CHEF?

“I didn’t understand the magnitude and the pressure that you have when you become a public figure and then you have actual kids watching you and becoming your fans. You know kids come into the restaurant, and they tell their parents ‘I wanna go to Amar’s restaurant! He’s my favorite chef.’ It matured me a lot more because i don’t wanna disappoint these kids.”

 

VACA is a spanish tapas restaurant. What are tapas?

“So, tapas in Spain is just a small bite. It could be of anything; it could be out of a can, toasted bread, it could be what they call pinchos. You know, small little bites that would just get your palate going.”

 

What’s one thing about chef culture that people would be surprised to learn?

“I always tell people to be a chef, you cannot be normal. Normal people do not say one day – i wanna be a chef, i wanna work 80 hours a week, i don’t wanna have holidays with my family. Like i said, we’re all different in a way, but we’re all crazy to do what we do.”

 

 

“Best way to find me is on social media, go to instagram @bbamars, also @vaca_restaurant. We wil be putting all of our news. So we’ll see you soon! Thank you.”

 

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