More About Raul Casilla:
Raul Casillas represents a new era of Mexican-American chefs, bringing the beauty and diversity of Mexico’s regional cuisines into the mainstream. With decades of experience cooking alongside world-renowned chefs, Raul’s passion for Mexican cuisine has deepened as he’s developed the skills to create dishes with depth and nuance, transforming humble ingredients into luxurious experiences. Raul grew up in the border town of San Diego, CA spending time in San Ysidro, Mexicali, and Tijuana. His love for cooking originated in his grandmother’s kitchen over bubbling pots of her refried beans and fresh tortillas on the plancha. Though his original professional aspirations were focused on becoming a doctor, in the end his heart won the contest and he followed his passion to culinary school.
After graduating from Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts Las Vegas, Raul went to work at Jose Andres’s restaurant, Jaleo where he learned the value of storytelling and sharing culture through food and creativity. His next position was at L’atelier in the MGM Grand in Las Vegas by Joel Robuchon. Raul’s tenure at L’atelier lasted for six years, giving him an extended education in how to operate a Michelin kitchen. After the pandemic, Raul found himself back in Ensenada where he was introduced to Roberto Alcocer—a chef dedicated to Mexican cuisine, its culture and flavors—and they connected about Alcocer’s new restaurant Valle in Oceanside, CA. Joining Alcocer’s kitchen, Raul’s love for Mexican cooking and techniques was rekindled and he felt a new sense of belonging at Valle. Working with fresh local ingredients, luxury products and playing with authentic flavors to push Mexican cuisine into the spotlight, Raul and his team received due recognition in 2022 when Valle received its first Michelin star.
Raul brings his robust knowledge of Mexican cuisine. He plans on showcasing his love for Mexican culture by crafting new dishes that emphasize different regions of Mexico such as tetelas, tlacoyos, mixiotes, gorditas and many more. These new menu items will be balanced and delicious leaving guests craving more. Raul and Puesto will continue to serve guests high-quality tacos by taking the best flavors of Mexico and wrapping them in the beloved handmade, organic, non-GMO blue corn tortillas.
