Ray Garcia
Chef
Broken Spanish
Los Angeles, CA USA
“If you get too far off into thinking what other people think, what other people want, what worked for other people, you’re gonna miss out on listening to what’s good for you.”
Videos
By Roadtrip NationRay Garcia
Milestones
My road in life took a while to figure out.
Born and raised in Eastside Los Angeles, California, in a predominantly Latino community.
Attended UCLA, where he received his degrees in political science and business economics.
Growing up, his goal was to join the FBI or get involved in some sort of federal law enforcement.
Took LSAT classes and did an internship at the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C., in order to prepare for law school, but he quickly realized that it was not the right path for him.
Inspired by his college roommate, who was a great cook, he decided to take a year off from the law school track and enrolled in classes at the California School of Culinary Arts.
He started his culinary career by working at the Peninsula Beverly Hills and eventually went on to work with famed chef Douglas Keane of Cyrus.
In 2009, he got the opportunity to become the chef at FIG in Santa Monica, where he earned a StarChefs Rising Stars Award.
In 2015, he decided to open his own restaurant, Broken Spanish, in Los Angeles, specializing in Mexican-American cuisine inspired by his upbringing—he was named Chef of the Year by Esquire magazine.
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Career
Chef
I am the chef and owner of Broken Spanish restaurant in Los Angeles, CA.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Food
Entrepreneurship
Being Creative
Day to Day
I spend my day cooking and overseeing my kitchen staff to ensure we deliver the best products to our customers. I also do a lot of tasting and experimenting with new flavors for our menu.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for everyone
Opening a restaurant is always going to be a challenge. Don't dwell or rely on too many people's advice. You will know what is right for you and you will figure it all out. There are very few mistakes that you have to commit to forever, so take chances and be open to opportunities.
Recommended Education
My career is not related to what I studied. I'd recommend this path instead:
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Myself:
"I'll just do this for the time being and then go back to law school."
Challenges I Overcame
Financial
Career Change
Interviewed By
UCLA Roadtrip
University of California, Los Angeles students and alumni
