Track and Food 59: Chef Alex Sandoval of Le Crocodile On Leaving Estela And New York City And Learning New Skills
Now brought to you by Scout Magazine.
It's been just over a year since the pandemic upended everyone's lives. Some more than others, none probably more so than Chef Alex Sandoval of Le Crocodile. Jamie was intrigued to bring her on today so she could tell her story. As someone who was living her best life, cooking under world renowned Chef Ignacio Mattos at eponymous restaurant Estela in New York City, Sandoval looked to have it all. Then March 15th, 2020 hit and everything changed. Two days later she was on a flight back to Vancouver. Just like that, a dream stolen. A life forever altered.
As dour as all that sounds, this conversation is fun and lively as Alex recounts her memories of that time with frankness and honesty. An opportunity was lost but time heals all wounds and she's a Chef at heart. You can feel how much she loves her work and that passion is what drives this industry. Much respect.
We hope you enjoy this one!
Here's the link to the column Jamie reference's about Alex and Estela.
From Grubstreet:
When the Restaurants Closed, They Cooked for Each Other: Chef Ignacio Mattos had just earned a Michelin star. Now he’s struggling to feed his staff.
(Sadly, still no Mickey. Le sigh)
***Scout is one of Vancouver’s leading food and culture magazines. If you’re wanting to learn more about the city’s food and cultural sphere with regards to community news, new restaurant openings, essential guides to some of the city’s best offerings as well as who’s hiring, Scout is where you should go. They also have a sister website called Islandist. Same type of content only Island driven. That’s Islandist.ca.
We’re proud to have Scout as our presenting sponsor as we believe what they “Scout out” is an excellent compliment to what we’re offering here with Track and Food. Do check them out. scoutmagazine.ca