Homaro Cantu

Homaro Cantu

Chef / Inventor


Moto Restaurant

Chicago, IL USA


As long as you're passionate and can find your creative niche, there's nothing that you can't achieve. I know that sounds cliché and ridiculous, but this place [Moto] is living proof. The answers are out there, we just have to tap into that creative side.

Videos

By Roadtrip Nation

Homaro Cantu

Milestones

My road in life has been direct.
Chef Cantu experiments with "futuristic" and modern foods, plays with the physics of food.
Says any of the difficulties he's faced with his restaurant are nothing compared to the challenges of working for someone else.
Grew up very poor, was homeless for some time; says when you "live a life of simplicity," you start wondering how you can solve problems.
He had an interest in pyrotechnics, mechanics; he'd take apart something like a lawnmower and try to invent new things with the parts.
Was working at a fast-food restaurant and living out of his car; a friend encouraged him to apply for culinary school.
After graduating, he'd knock on the door of any and every restaurant and offer to work for free.
Once he had enough experience, he flew to Chicago with no money, no place to stay, and convinced his hero, Chef Trotter, to hire him.
Says even when he was working 18-hour shifts, he'd keep things interesting by inventing new gadgets and concepts on his own time.
Keep following my journey

Career

Chef / Inventor

I use science and engineering to create postmodern cuisine and unique food delivery systems.

Career Roadmap

Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Food
Science
Problem Solving

Hurdles

Challenges I Overcame

Financial

Interviewed By

Chicago - New York City

Chicago - New York City

The team drives north to Chicago. They interview chef Homaru Cantu and go to a White Sox baseball game-a first for the Australians. Then they drive to Cleveland and interview Terry Stewart, president of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The team drives east to New York City to visit with tattoo artist Eli Quinters and pianist and tae kwon do champion Elaine Kwon.