Bio
Chuy Valencia is an American chef who was a contestant on the ninth season of the cooking reality competition television series Top Chef, from 2011-2012.
Top Chef Bio
Valencia was born and raised in Sonoma, California by parents who grew their own food in the backyard and always had a pot of something delicious simmering on the stove.
Growing up, he spent his summers and holiday seasons in his parents' native Colima, Mexico on the family orchard.
After school, he went to Chicago and began working as Sous Chef at the renowned Frontera Grill as well as Topolobampo, which reinforced the cultural connection to his food and refined his style.
Chuy presently co-owns and operates Chilam Balam, a seasonal small plates restaurant.