About

Claudette Zepeda, Celebrity Chef/ Entreprenuer

Claudette Zepeda is an award-winning, San Diego-based chef and culinary entrepreneur known for her fearless style and bold approach to regional Mexican cuisine. A celebrated culinary anthropologist, Zepeda draws upon 20+ years of experience working in restaurant kitchens, as well as her extensive travels around the world and throughout Mexico that inform her vast knowledge of indigenous ingredients and cross-cultural expressions of cuisine. Zepeda's multi-faceted expertise is showcased in her role as Founder/ Creative Director of Chispa Hospitality, overseeing the creative vision of projects in Nashville, Australia and México. Previously, Zepeda garnered more national acclaim for her time as the executive chef & partner behind (the now closed) San Diego based El Jardín, a regional Mexican restaurant concept. El Jardín received a glowing review from the New York Times, inclusion on Esquire’s 2018 & 2021’s Best New Restaurants list, and recognition from Michelin on their 2019 Bib Gourmand list. Zepeda was named both Eater San Diego and San Diego Union Tribune’s Chef of the Year in 2018, and was a James Beard Best Chef West semifinalist in 2019.

Television appearances:

2017-18 Top Chef Season 15 & Top Chef Mexico Season 2

2021 Judge on Tyler Florence’s, The Great Food Truck Race

2022 Iron Chef: Quest for an Iron Legend, winning her challenge & Iron Chef México where she successfully won her challenge and tied in the finale.

2022 Bobby’s Triple Threat, where she successfully beat out three “titans” and brought home the win.

2023 Guest Chef on Selena & The Chef, Christmas Special

Philanthropy:

In 2019 Zepeda Founded Viva La Vida, LLC., establishing micro businesses with single mothers throughout Mexico’s seven regions to import their heirloom ingredients previously unavailable in the U.S. Through Viva La Vida, Zepeda helps Mexican women support their families without sacrificing their safety.