Diego Galicia ’10
Welcomes Graduates into “Exclusive Group”
San Antonio, TX – Diego Galicia, chef and co-owner
of Restaurant Mixtli and Mezcalería Mixtli in San Antonio, spoke to
graduates of The Culinary Institute of America on December 18. Chef
Galicia challenged the associate degree recipients to take
care of each other—and themselves.
“You are now part of a very select and exclusive group.
You’ve been given the tools, the knowledge, and the discipline to cook,” said Galicia,
a 2010 alumnus of the CIA’s San Antonio campus. “I want you to
look at each other—in your whites, as proud as any West Point grad. This is all
you have, the person next to you. Don’t ever let each other down.”
Chef Galicia reminded graduates that they are entering a
life of service and commitment to others. He advised them to take care of their
own health, as well as their feet and their knives, and to continue to polish
their craft.
“You were led here by your heart, your will to create, and
your desire to learn,” he said. “Don’t ever lose your passion.”
While completing his studies in Latin Cuisines from the CIA,
the native of Toluca, Mexico was named chef de partie for the opening of Restaurant Lüke in San Antonio,
working with CIA alumni Steven McHugh ’97. He was corporate chef for the Taco Cabana chain
before making a major change from the quick-service segment with the opening of Mixtli in 2013.
Serving only 12 guests a night, Mixtli is one of the most sought-after reservations in San Antonio. It was named one
of the 10 hottest restaurants in the city by Zagat Survey and one of the 10 most romantic restaurants in America
by USA Today. Mezcalería Mixtli, focusing on mezcal and other Mexican spirits, opened earlier this year.
Photo Caption & Hi-Res Image:
Diego Galicia, chef and co-owner of San Antonio’s acclaimed
Restaurant Mixtli and Mezcalería Mixtli, speaks to graduates of The Culinary Institute
of America, San Antonio on December 18, 2015. Chef Galicia is a 2010 graduate
of the CIA’s Texas campus. (Photo credit:
Darren Abate/CIA)
Media Contact:
Jeff Levine
Communications Manager
845-451-1372
j_levine@culinary.edu
Founded in 1946, The Culinary Institute of America is the world’s premier
culinary college. Dedicated to driving leadership development for the
foodservice and hospitality industry, the independent, not-for-profit CIA
offers associate degrees in culinary arts and baking and pastry arts;
bachelor’s degree majors in management, culinary science, and applied food
studies; and executive education through its Food Business School. Its
conferences and consulting services have made the CIA the think tank of the food
industry in the areas of health & wellness, sustainability, world cuisines
& cultures, and professional excellence & innovation. The college also
offers certificate programs and courses for professionals and enthusiasts. Its
worldwide network of 48,000 alumni includes leaders in every area of
foodservice and hospitality. The CIA has campuses in New York, California,
Texas, and Singapore.
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