26/08/2024
Chef Luis Arce Mota is a founding member of Club Coctelero El Agujero del Conejo🕳️🐇Luis hails from Mazatlán, Mexico where his father was a fisherman, and where his love of seafood began🎣After emigrating to the United States in the early 1990’s, Luis began his culinary career as a dishwasher in Carmine’s Restaurant in Times Square and over the years, he gained experience in many famous Manhattan kitchens, under the tutelage of renowned chefs including David Bouley, Cesar Ramirez, Michael Lomonaco and Michael Romano. In between stints at Bouley, Windows on the World and Union Square Café, Luis received formal culinary education at the Cordon Bleu in Paris – where he staged at several Parisian restaurants – and the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. Luis’ career as a chef-owner began with Café Condesa in the West Village. He then opened Ofrenda, and most recently La Contenta Restaurants. He is especially proud of the all-Mexican wine list he has put together for La Contenta Oeste, the first of its kind in the United States🍇🍷
Luis is honored to have cooked for Andrés Manuel López Obrador, President of Mexico. He was also formally recognized by the Mexican Senate in 2023 for his outstanding international career and his contributions to the development and promotion of Mexican gastronomy, as well as the Mexican Secretary of Tourism in 2024 for the preservation and promotion of the historical, cultural and gastronomic identity of Mexico🇲🇽👨🏽🍳
At El Agujero del Conejo, Luis plans to incorporate his culinary knowledge to create innovative cocktails. Culinary techniques such as infusing herbs or fruits into the alcohol, making syrups and reductions to intensify flavors, and macerating ingredients can be incorporated. Slow cooking can be used for warm cocktails, and artistic presentation with creative garnishes can enhance the experience. Additionally, experimenting with fermentation and smoking adds complexity. These practices not only enrich the flavor but also enhance the sensory experience for our customers. ¡Salud!🥂