Celebrity Chef Visits Mount Si High School

Mount Si High School welcomed Executive Chef Jonathan Zaragoza, known from the Netflix series Taco Chronicles, for a special culinary experience on October 17. This visit, arranged by Chartwells as part of their Global Eats initiative, aimed to introduce students to a diverse range of cuisines.

Coinciding with Hispanic Heritage Month, our students enjoyed three delicious samples of traditional Mexican dishes during lunch:

• Pork Carnitas & Cheese Quesadilla
• Avocado, Jicama, and Cucumber Salsa
• Elotes-Style Street Corn

NEW: Try these recipes at home!  Thanks Chartwells!

Chef Jonathan Zaragoza has a rich culinary background that began in his childhood on Chicago’s Southside. Raised in a close-knit family with a strong passion for cooking, he fondly recalls standing on a step stool, helping his mother stir eggs at just five years old. By age 12, he was already mastering the art of making birria, a roasted goat dish from Jalisco, using a wood-burning oven crafted by his grandfather.  In 2007, Zaragoza opened Birrieria Zaragoza, establishing a platform to showcase his culinary skills while immersing himself in Chicago’s vibrant hospitality scene. His journey has taken him from prestigious kitchens like Sepia and Sixteen to becoming the chef at Masa Azul at just 22 years old. With a deep respect for Mexico’s culinary heritage, Zaragoza has traveled the world, bringing these traditions to cities like London, Dubai, and Paris. Today, he spends time cooking at his restaurants, Birrieria Zaragoza and El Oso.

Mount Si High School is grateful for the opportunity to experience Chef Zaragoza’s incredible talent and delicious dishes, fostering a greater appreciation among our students for a variety tastes and traditions.