Interview With Chef Andres Miramontes

Andres Miramontes, executive chef at Citrus Fresh in the Renaissance ClubSport Aliso Viejo was born in Guadalajara Mexico. At an early age he showed interest in cooking while helping his Grand mother in the kitchen. During his first job as dishwasher he showed a true passion for traditional Latin-American cuisine and was appointed kitchen manager of this family owned restaurant.

Andres owes many of his successes to the mentors that have influenced his culinary style and dedicates this through creating innovative menus with contemporary dishes using the best and freshest local ingredients. The highlight of his career was working closely with the corporate Executive Chef of Culinary Adventures where he trained Executive Chef’s and Sous Chef’s for their renowned restaurants in L.A and Orange County.

After 12 years with Culinary Adventures he was hired by Rut-Mart Company as Executive Chef for their steak house concept and the famous French 75 restaurant. He consulted for Jimmy’s Famous Tavern in San Diego and after 6 years worked at Asada in Laguna Beach.

 Now as the new Executive Chef of the Renaissance ClubSport in Aliso Viejo, he prides himself in creating menus with a healthy eclectic flair while sourcing the freshest local ingredients he can find. 

Tell us a little about the new menu at Citrus?

We developed this menu by running several specials to see what the customers enjoyed the most. The items that customers were most receptive to were the items we added to the menu.

What 3 words would you use to describe your cooking style?

Healthy,  Eclectic,  Fresh

What is your background and training?

I attended Culinary Adventures and worked with Chef Ryan.  I learned a lot and he trained me to help him be a trainer to open some great new restaurants.

Your favorite dish on the menu at Citrus and why?

I’d have to say the Scallops. I love it.  The butternut squash risotto and sun dried tomato cream sauce make this dish one of the best.

What are 3 must have ingredients everyone should have in their kitchen?

Extra Virgin Oil, Fresh garlic and Fresh Herbs.

What is your favorite ingredient to work with?

Garlic

If you could cook for one person, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

My Mother if she was alive. I want to give back something for everything she did for me.

Who is your Favorite celebrity chef?

Chef Ramsey

What is one food you think everyone should try in their lifetime?

I have two.  French & Mexican.

What is your Favorite restaurant aside from Citrus?

Asada,  and 370 Common Table

Do you have a Favorite cookbook/cooking website?

The Va de Vi cookbook

What is the strangest customer request you have had?

I had one guest order fish tacos but we were out of the fish.  So he only wanted the veggies.

What cuisine that you are unfamiliar with would you want to learn more about and why?

Indian, I would love to learn some of the flavors and tradition.

What advice would you give to an aspiring chef?

Work hard and give 200% all the time. Always be prepared for last minutes things.