Chef Oscar Padilla on New Latinx Culinary Cohort “Old Ways, New Hands”

According to this 5280 article via Hispanic Restaurant Association, Hispanics and Latinos constitute 22% of Colorado’s population with 38% of these 1.26 million individuals working in the food and beverage sector. For Hispanic Heritage Month, Richard Sandoval Hospitality (RSH), the restaurant group behind Denver’s Toro and Tamayo, has launched a new nationwide initiative called “Old Ways, New Hands“. This is a Latinx cohort focused on empowering the next generation of Latinx chefs. Applicants chosen will receive hands on training from Chef Richard Sandoval, prolific Mexican chef with restaurants all over the world, and gain tools and resources Latinx and Hispanic culinary talents can use to perfect their craft. This opportunity culminates in a trip to Mexico where budding chefs undergo a 2-day intensive workshop led by Chef Sandoval himself.

Chef Oscar Padilla has worked many years under Chef Sandoval’s guidance and this working relationship is a shining example of the “Old Ways, New Hands’” vision. Chef Oscar Padilla was born in Los Angeles, California and at a young age, relocated to Mexico. It was there that his passion for Mexican cuisine grew as he observed his grandmother’s traditional cooking styles and shared meals with his family. As he pursued a career in culinary arts, he quickly established himself as a standout chef eventually catching the attention of Chef Sandoval. Chef Sandoval recruited Chef Padilla and from there, he has traveled the world helping to open RSH restaurants and training culinary teams. Chef Padilla was since settled in Denver with his family and opened Gaucho Parilla located in Arvada’s Freedom Street Social food hall.

On Eats & Beats, Chef Padilla joined the Morning Set to share his personal experience learning from Chef Richard Sandoval and give more details on this exciting new culinary opportunity.

Original Air-Date: 09/27/23

Through Hispanic Heritage Month, people can apply themselves or others to be considered for this opportunity at this link. The deadline to apply is October 15 2023.

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Photo Credit: Photos courtesy of Chef Richard Sandoval and Chef Oscar Padilla.