LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Chef Jose Gutierrez has spent more than 20 years perfecting his craft in some of Las Vegas' most acclaimed restaurant kitchens. But now, the Mexico City-born chef is focused on something deeply personal: honoring his heritage through food.
Gutierrez opened Mi Barrio a year ago in Las Vegas' Arts District, a restaurant dedicated to authentic Mexican cuisine that reflects his culinary journey from Mexico City to Maui and finally to Southern Nevada.
"For us to keep it traditional, it's really, really important," Gutierrez said.
Born in Mexico City and raised in Maui before coming to Las Vegas, Gutierrez says his multicultural upbringing shaped both his career and his passion for cooking.
"I knew since the minute I stepped in the kitchen that it was something that I wanted to do for the rest of my life, and I knew I wanted to work really, really hard to get to where I am right now," Gutierrez said.
Mi Barrio serves what Gutierrez describes as the food he grew up with — traditional Mexican dishes prepared simply, following the philosophy that less is more.
"It is all the food that I grew up with, right? Mexican food, traditional, simple, less is more, and that's what we're trying to do here in Mi Barrio," Gutierrez said.
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For Gutierrez, staying true to tradition extends beyond the food itself — it's about preserving memories and cultural connections.
"I mean, it's important because we stay true tradition, right? At the end of the day we want you come over, eat our food and take you back to when you were a little kid from grandma's kitchen," Gutierrez said.
That commitment has resonated with Las Vegas locals, particularly within the Latino community, who have embraced his business since opening day.
"It's been a year now since we opened Mi Barrio. It's been amazing. It's really amazing how not only our Hispanic culture comes together but all the cultures too," Gutierrez said.
Dishes like chilaquiles, mole, and café de olla represent more than just food to Gutierrez — they're a reflection of the American dream his family pursued when they immigrated to the United States.
"When I was a little kid, my mom and dad, they decided to come to this country with the American dream, right? And then they always show us that with the hard work, dedication, and be consistent as possible, and then every day I wake up and then it's trying to do my best, come over here and do the best," Gutierrez said.
Now, Gutierrez is passing that message along to the next generation of Latino chefs and the broader community.
"Just keep going because honestly this opportunity came out of nowhere. I wasn't expecting it. I was working with another group that I love so much too, and then it just came out of nowhere," Gutierrez said.
For Gutierrez, Hispanic Heritage Month represents tradition, unity, and pride — values carried forward one plate at a time.
"The time where we can really be united as regular employees from owners to chefs, really the community has to come together and really continue what we have been doing for years," Gutierrez said.
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