We had the good fortune of connecting with Victor Villarreal and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Victor, what do you attribute your success to?
I think a hard work ethic, surrounding myself with the right people, and a real passion for what I do. Has given me the right tools to be able to succeed. Being able to trust your judgement when the world tells you to play it safe with the same ol’ same ol’.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Trying to get where I am at this point was easy and hard. I got an extraordinary to go to Germany and train under a actual French chef. In a time where culinary wasn’t trendy or flashy. We relied on skill, work ethic, and knowledge from our chefs to achieve our credentials. In a age of internet chefs and social media cooks, it’s hard for a lot of us older Chefs to compete with people who’s food looks great on a little computer. But working with my great staff they have helped me combine my old school techniques with new school media driven age. So that we have an opportunity to compete with everyone no matter how big or small your brand. I would love everyone to embrace the dry aging of fish as a new method to enhance flavor and extend the life of your beautiful seafood longer.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If you come down to Fort Worth I gotta make TONS of stops. From Four Sisters, Asian Nights, Guapo Tacos, , Paco’s,Magdalena’s, Grace, Waters, The Fitzgerald, Wishbone and Flynt, High Top pub and grub, and Tributary Cafe. For food. To having drinks at The Proper, Nickle City, The Post, Neutral Ground brewing, The Usual or Liberty Lounge. You can’t miss with where the locals or everyday hard working persons in Funky town eat and drink.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First I’d like to thank my wife for being the half that helps me do this whole thing. Our wonderful kiddos Mai, Ian, and Cason. Last but not least our family, friends, and supporters of La Onda. Thank y’all so my much, y’all’s cheering from the sidelines can be felt every day. To all my mentors Pedro Castrejón, Mark Rose, John Tesar, Casey Thompson, Blaine Staniford, David Anderson, and Chef Jean Marc- Pierre. Y’all taught me well and I hope I do you guys justice in this restaurant life. For all my line cooks, dishwashers, and future Service industry people. I am proof hard work ethic and passion will get you where you want. Never let anyone tell you ,you can’t. Mr Bourdain. Thank you for writing a book I would read years later and help inspire me to follow my dreams.

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Image Credits
Wero Kitchen

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