Congratulations to Marcelo Hisaki and Reyna Venegas of Restaurante Amores, and the 2024 MICHELIN Guide Mexico Exceptional Service Award Winner.
What really is good service? Is it being attentive and making sure the needs of all customers are met? Or is it knowing every single detail before a diner even steps foot inside the restaurant? For Hisaki and Venegas, it means treating customers like family and sharing unforgettable moments together.
In celebration of their new accolade, we sat down with the award winners for the inside scoop on their favorite part of the guest experience, biggest misconceptions about their roles, and what a typical night at the restaurant looks like.
What is the biggest misconception about your role?
Many people believe that chefs belong solely in the kitchen, but as restaurant owners, we juggle multiple roles daily. Our responsibilities extend beyond culinary creativity and passion; we integrate every part of the food chain, from farmers to producers, into our menus. Driven by our passion for creating exceptional cuisine, we also prioritize the sustainability of our business. Our journey is a delicate balance between passion and success, where we transform our love for cooking into a thriving enterprise.
How are you able to keep the team calm?
It's all about teamwork, you know? Not every day is gonna be flawless, but hey, every sunrise brings a fresh shot. Sticking to our goals as a close team, there's nothing we can't handle together.
What does "really good service" mean to you?
For us, really good service means treating customers like cherished members of our extended family, sharing unforgettable moments together at the dining table.
What's your favorite part of the guest experience?
Our favorite part of the guest experience is sharing stories over food and life, forming true connections that often turn into lifelong friendships.
What is a typical night at the restaurant?
Looking back on our journey from a modest 7-seat counter 12 years ago, it's clear that each night holds its own story. We've faced our fair share of challenges along the way, from moments of uncertainty to building a dedicated team and earning recognition. Through it all, what remains is the joy of cooking for our friends and family, for those who have embraced us as part of their lives, year after year. Their loyalty and support reminds us that cooking is truly about sharing love.
Hero image: Scott Draper / Restaurante Amores
