CARLOS MUÑOZ
Meet Chef Muñoz, a culinary virtuoso hailing from the vibrant tapestry of Oaxaca, Mexico. His gastronomic odyssey began in the heart of his family's kitchen, weaving a narrative steeped in the rich culinary traditions of "El Istmo".
Armed with a formal culinary education from Oaxaca, Chef Muñoz took his skills to the bustling city of Chicago, where he honed his craft alongside luminaries like Michelin-starred Chef Carlos Gaytan and the iconic Chef Rick Bayless. Chef Muñoz has seamlessly blended tradition and innovation to launch his acclaimed Lakeview restaurant, Istmo.
Named after the narrow strip of land that connects two larger regions, Istmo highlights the vibrant flavors, traditional techniques, and unique ingredients of Oaxaca while exploring its culinary connections to neighboring international traditions. Since its debut, Chef Muñoz’s intentional cooking has taken the Chicago food scene by storm—swiftly earning a spot on Chicago Magazine’s "10 Hottest Restaurants" list and being named one of the "Best New Restaurants in Chicago" by Eater. His culinary artistry not only tantalizes the taste buds but serves as a vibrant, award-winning homage to Oaxaca's soul.
