142. Jorge Vallejo: Inside Mexico's Most Celebrated Restaurant

JORGE VALLEJO is one of the most important chefs in the world right now.

As the chef and co-owner of Quintonil alongside his wife Alejandra Flores, Jorge has helped redefine modern Mexican gastronomy on the global stage. Quintonil currently holds 2 Michelin Stars and was ranked No. 3 on the 2025 World's 50 Best Restaurants list, making it one of the most celebrated restaurants on earth.

But this conversation goes far beyond rankings.

In this episode of On The Pass, Gabriel Ornelas sits down with Jorge Vallejo for a deeply personal conversation about Mexico, identity, leadership, restaurant culture, hospitality and the responsibility of representing a country through food.

Together, they explore:

• Why "Mexico is not one thing"

• How food acts as a social and emotional connector in Mexican culture

• The pressure and privilege of representing Mexico on the world stage

• Building a healthy kitchen culture at the highest level of fine dining

• Why Quintonil is "the team," not just Jorge and Alejandra

• What success actually means beyond Michelin stars and global rankings

• How hospitality can transform strangers into lifelong friends