Who is Manny Barella? 'Top Chef' Season 21 contestant left law school for a culinary program
DENVER, COLORADO: Chef Manny Barella, serving as the culinary director at Camp Pickle and Jaguar Bolera, was revealed as the exclusive Colorado representative for the forthcoming season of 'Top Chef'.
Bravo unveiled the complete roster of 15 contestants on Wednesday, highlighting them as "talented, emerging chefs and James Beard nominees from various regions nationwide."
In 2022, Barella garnered recognition as a semifinalist in the Emerging Chef category of the James Beard Awards.
'Top Chef' Season 21 contestant Manny Barella left law school to enroll in a culinary program
Hailing from Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico, Manny (Manuel) Barella made a bold decision to follow his passion, abandoning law school to pursue a career in the culinary arts.
Driven by innate talent and determination, he embarked on a remarkable journey that saw him honing his skills in prestigious kitchens such as the luxurious Sea Island Resort in Georgia, the acclaimed five-star Napa Valley destination Calistoga Ranch, and the Michelin-rated Solage Resort in Napa.
With a craving for adventure, he ventured to Boulder, Colorado, securing a role as Chef de Partie at the James Beard award-winning Frasca Food & Wine. His journey continued as he transitioned to Sous Chef at Uchi in Denver, eventually ascending to the role of Executive Chef/Partner at Bellota.
Manny Barella oversees the culinary direction of Jaguar Bolera
Following his departure from Bellota prior to its closure, Barella transitioned into a new position as the culinary director for two innovative concepts under Robert Thompson, the visionary behind Punch Bowl Social.
These concepts include the eagerly awaited Camp Pickle, an entertainment destination centered around pickleball, slated to open in Centennial and Globeville. Anticipated to open its doors in Denver in 2025, the restaurant aims to provide a unique and immersive dining experience.
Additionally, he oversees the culinary direction of Jaguar Bolera, which is set to make its debut in 2024 in Raleigh and Atlanta. Jaguar Bolera will infuse Mexican flavors with the essence of Southern cuisine. The restaurant prides itself on delivering simple ingredients and authentic flavors, curated by Barella himself.
'Top Chef' Season 21 contestant Manny Barella has earned plenty of plaudits for his skills
Barella was a semifinalist for the 2022 James Beard Award in the Emerging Chef category.
He successfully showcased his culinary innovation through a creative menu, with some of the menus including steak tartare with salsa macha, smoked lobster tetela accompanied by Oaxaca cheese, and pastel de elote con nieve.
Additionally, Barella holds the role of president within the Hispanic Chefs Association in Colorado, where he contributes to the advancement and representation of Hispanic culinary professionals within the local community.
Chef Manny Barella hosts “Mientras, a Manny Barella Pop Up” weekly at Cantina Loca
Barella presents "Mientras, a Manny Barella Pop Up" every week at Cantina Loca, held every Monday and Tuesday evening starting from February 26th.
Limited tickets for this exclusive four-course dining experience are now on sale for $110 per person, with an option for $160 including cocktail pairings.
Tickets for the tasting event can be conveniently purchased through Chef Manny Barella's website.
'Top Chef' Season 21 premieres on Bravo on Wednesday, March 20 from 9 pm ET. The episodes will be accessible the next day on Peacock.