Rick Bayless

Rick Bayless

Rick Bayless is an American chef and restaurateur who specializes in traditional Mexican cuisine with modern interpretations. He is widely known for his PBS series Mexico: One Plate at a Time.

Early Life and Education

Rick Bayless was born on November 23, 1953, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He comes from a family of restaurateurs and grocers specializing in barbecue. Bayless developed an interest in cooking from a young age, helping his parents in their family-owned restaurant.

He later attended the University of Oklahoma and University of Michigan, where he studied Spanish and Latin American culture. His passion for Mexican cuisine was ignited during his time in college, where he spent several years studying and traveling in Mexico.

Career

After college, Bayless opened his first restaurant, Frontera Grill, in Chicago in 1987. The restaurant quickly gained popularity for its authentic Mexican dishes. In 1989, he opened a sister restaurant, Topolobampo, which is one of America's first fine-dining Mexican restaurants.

In 2001, Bayless started his television series Mexico: One Plate at a Time, which showcases the rich culture and food traditions of Mexico. The show has won numerous awards, including the James Beard Foundation Award for Best Television Program.

Bayless has also written several cookbooks, including Authentic Mexican: Regional Cooking from the Heart of Mexico, which is considered a classic in its field.

Personal Life

Rick Bayless is married to Deann Bayless, his business partner and co-author of his cookbooks. They have one daughter, Lanie Bayless, who is also involved in the family's restaurant business.

Philanthropy

In 2003, Rick and Deann Bayless established the Frontera Farmer Foundation to support small Midwestern farms. Each year, the foundation awards grants to farmers for capital improvements to their family farms.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout his career, Bayless has received numerous awards for his contributions to the culinary world. These include the James Beard Award for Best Chef: Midwest in 1991 and National Chef of the Year in 1995. His restaurant, Topolobampo, won the James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurant in 2017.

See Also

• Mexican Cuisine
• List of American chefs
• List of television chefs

External Links

• Official Website
• Rick Bayless on Twitter
• Rick Bayless on Instagram