146. Pablo Soto: Leadership, Pressure & Life After the Storm
On The Pass
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 team of more than 100 people who had relocated from around the world. Rather than revisiting headlines, Pablo reflects on leadership, resilience, accountability, the balance between care and standards,...
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145. William Bradley: Discipline, Identity & 3 Michelin Stars
On The Pass
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 breakthrough moments, but through thousands of ordinary days executed extraordinarily well. Together, Gabriel Ornelas and William explore identity, leadership, consistency, sacrifice,...
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144. Niki Nakayama + Carole Iida-Nakayama: Success, Resilience, and 15 Years of n/naka
On The Pass
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 in the country. But this conversation isn't about how n/naka started. It's about what happens after success. In this deeply personal episode of On The Pass, Gabriel...
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143. Diego Gutiérrez: Stewarding One of the World's Great Hotels
On The Pass
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, Mayan history, and a profound sense of place, Chablé has become a global benchmark for luxury hospitality, wellness, architecture, design, and cultural preservation. But this conversation isn't...
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142. Jorge Vallejo: Inside Mexico’s Most Celebrated Restaurant
On The Pass
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 conversation goes far beyond rankings. In this episode of On The Pass, Gabriel Ornelas sits down with Jorge Vallejo for a deeply personal conversation about Mexico, identity, leadership, restaurant...
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141. Brian Limoges: Redefining Kitchen Culture
On The Pass
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 shift that redefined how he leads today—moving from intensity and pressure to patience, intention, and mentorship. They discuss the deeper story behind Enclos, the importance...
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140. Marcus Jernmark: Redefining Fine Dining in LA
On The Pass
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 Angeles — observing, learning, and rethinking what fine dining can be. Now, with the opening of Lielle, Marcus is stepping into a new chapter. This is not another fine dining restaurant. This...
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139. Andrew + Michelle Muñoz: Inside Moo’s Craft Barbecue
On The Pass
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 Gourmand, and a James Beard Award nomination. But this conversation goes far beyond brisket and smoke. Andrew and Michelle share the story of building Moo’s from the ground up —...
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138. Nancy Silverton: Building Restaurants That Last
On The Pass
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 has shaped the way America eats. But this conversation goes far beyond food. Nancy opens up about: - Imposter syndrome — and why it may be her secret fuel - The...
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137. Matt Crafton: Building for the Next 50 Years
On The Pass
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 winemaking, from leaving finance behind, starting at the bottom of the cellar, and embracing craft over comfort, to now stewarding one of the most iconic names in Napa Valley alongside CEO Bo Barrett....
info_outlineFor 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 breakthrough moments, but through thousands of ordinary days executed extraordinarily well.
Together, Gabriel Ornelas and William explore identity, leadership, consistency, sacrifice, California Gastronomy, and the enduring pursuit of becoming more fully yourself.
This is a conversation about far more than Michelin stars. It's about what twenty years of unwavering commitment can teach us about building a meaningful life.
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