Chef Geno Bahena

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

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Chef Geno Bahena: Geno Bahena, Born in 1965 Since his family specialized in dairy and beef production, he had the unique opportunity to see hard work and dedication be transformed into high quality foodstuffs. His family was justifiably proud of their work, and their meat and dairy products demanded premium prices. Young Geno did the usual chores of a rancher’s son, and by age 12 had also been drawn to the kitchen. He was so adept at helping his mother and grandmother prepare meals that soon hungry field hands came to expect young Geno’s special touch. In high school he decided to study cuisine and dreamed of being a chef. After graduation in 1986, Geno came to the attention of Rick Bayless of the nationally acclaimed Frontera Grill. His rise was nothing short of meteoric, as he rose from line cook to Souschef in little more than a year. In 1989, he became managing Chef, second only to owner Bayless, winner of the coveted James Beard Foundation “Chef of the Year” award.