On The Pass serves up inspiring conversations with dynamic figures in the food + beverage, hospitality and travel space. Hosted by Gabriel Ornelas.
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For years, Noma has stood as one of the most influential restaurants in the world. In 2026, it also became the center of one of hospitality's most difficult conversations. In this thoughtful and deeply human conversation, Executive Head Chef Pablo Soto joins Gabriel Ornelas to discuss what it was like leading Noma's Los Angeles residency through extraordinary public scrutiny while caring for a…
For nearly twenty years, Chef William Bradley quietly pursued a vision that many believed was impossible: building one of the world's great restaurants in San Diego. In this conversation, the Addison master chef reflects on the long road to becoming Southern California's first three Michelin-star restaurant, the discipline required to sustain excellence, and why true mastery isn't built through…
For fifteen years, Niki Nakayama and Carole Iida-Nakayama have built one of the most influential restaurants in America. What began as a deeply personal vision for modern kaiseki in Los Angeles has evolved into a restaurant that has helped redefine fine dining in Southern California, earned international acclaim, inspired a generation of chefs, and become one of the most sought-after reservations…
What does it take to build one of the most celebrated hotels in the world? In this episode of On The Pass, Gabriel Ornelas sits down with Diego Gutierrez, Co-Founder and CEO of Chablé Hotels, the visionary hospitality brand behind Chablé Yucatán, one of the most awarded luxury destinations in the world and widely regarded as one of the finest hotels in North America. Surrounded by jungle, cenotes,…
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…
What does it take to build a two Michelin star restaurant in just six months? In this episode, Gabriel Ornelas sits down with Chef Brian Limoges, Executive Chef of Enclos in Sonoma County—one of the most exciting new restaurants in American fine dining. But this conversation goes beyond the stars. Brian reflects on his journey through some of the world's most demanding kitchens and the personal…
In this episode of On The Pass , Gabriel Ornelas sits down with Swedish-born chef Marcus Jernmark — one of the most accomplished chefs of his generation, known for leading some of the world's most celebrated kitchens, including Restaurant Frantzén and Zén, both awarded three Michelin stars. After a global career spanning Aquavit and Per Se, Marcus has quietly spent the last four years in Los…
In this episode of On The Pass , Gabriel Ornelas sits down with Andrew and Michelle Muñoz, the husband-and-wife team behind Moo's Craft Barbecue — one of the most celebrated barbecue restaurants in Los Angeles. What started as a humble backyard project between friends has grown into a nationally recognized destination for Texas-style barbecue in LA, earning critical acclaim, a Michelin Bib…
Nancy Silverton on Purpose, Loss, Leadership & Building Restaurants That Last This weeks On The Pass episode, Gabriel Ornelas sits down with culinary icon Nancy Silverton — chef, restaurateur, mentor, and co-founder of the Mozza Restaurant Group. From helping define California cuisine to building an international restaurant empire that includes Osteria Mozza, Pizzeria Mozza, and Chi Spacca, Nancy…
This conversation is about much more than wine. On this episode of On The Pass , we sit down with Matt Crafton , winemaker at the legendary Chateau Montelena , as the winery approaches a historic milestone— 50 years since the Judgment of Paris reshaped the global perception of American wine. Rather than rehashing history, this conversation looks forward. Matt shares his unconventional path into…
