Top Chef Contestant, Chef Gabe Erales, Coastal-driven Mexican food restaurant concept, inspired by milpa*
More than just a system of agriculture, the concept of La Milpa comprises the complex interactions & personal relationships between farmers, the crops, and the land. The food of Bacalar will emulate this philosophy inspired by the coastal and interior regions of the Yucatan peninsula where Top Chef Contestant, Chef Gabe’s family originates from. In parallel, the proximity of Lady Bird Lake in Austin will further serve as inspiration to the restaurant much like Bacalar for the community of Austin to forge their own food memories.
The custom totem design was inspired by the chef’s tattoos and true passion for the Mayan, Yucatan culture. The design represents the milpa process, from earth, to crop, to water, to fish, to sun…the full circle of life.
