In today’s episode, I talk to chef Fermin Núñez, an Austin-based chef who was recently named one of the Best New Chefs of 2021 by Food & Wine. His restaurant Suerte (meaning good luck in Spanish) celebrates the traditional art of made-from-scratch masa, the culinary backbone of his restaurant concept.
You’ll hear about his longtime obsession with masa, what inspired him to become a chef, and how the food his team are dreaming up at Suerte both respects and helps shape tradition. He explains why Mexican cuisine is still in the discovery phase, and how the diversity and abundance of ingredients across Mexico allows for countless interpretations of familiar dishes.
What you'll learn with chef Fermin Núñez
- What it felt like to be named as one of the best new chefs of 2021 (2:49)
- The inspiration behind Suerte (5:46)
- How masa is made (7:20)
- Why Mexican cooking breaks the usual rules of cooking (8:20)
- How each variety of corn performs differently when you cook it (9:25)
- Pairing your tortillas based on the type of corn and fillings (11:44)
- What it takes to produce restaurant-portions of masa (13:17)
- How Fermin Núñez learned the art of making masa (14:39)
- The mystery and excitement that defines Mexican cuisine (16:23)
- Why Mexican cooking is largely undocumented (17:23)
- The cultural influence and variety that shapes Mexican food (17:53)
- Countless ways to make salsa (19:12)
- Why Fermin Núñez became a chef (20:09)
- What he’s learned from chef Rick Lopez (22:00)
- Why a great chef has a well-stocked pantry (23:40)
- The importance of collaboration (25:24)
- How ingredients lead the direction of the menu (27:08)
- Chef Fermin Núñez most recent food fetish (28:57)
- Food memories that awaken with the smell of fresh masa (31:20)
- Where to eat in Austin (31:55)
- Cookbooks to add to your collection (33:03)
- Series of rapid-fire questions.
- Link to the podcast episode on Apple Podcast
Links to other episodes in Austin
Panel Discussion with chefs Andre Natera, Rick Lopez, and Edgar Rico from Austin
Conversation with Pastry Chef Philip Speer from Comedor in Austin
Leadership with Chef Andre Natera – What Every Senior Executive Can Learn From Top Chefs
Interview with Chef Andre Natera – The Culinary Yoda
Links to most downloaded episodes (click on any picture to listen to the episode)
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- Suadero Tacos by chef Fermin Núñez
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- Chips and Salsa at Suerte
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- Pan de Elote from Suerte
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- Fermin Núñez & Emmanuel
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