News Summary
Carlos Salgado, famous for his restaurant Taco María, has moved to Door County, Wisconsin, seeking a simpler life closer to nature and family. After closing his highly acclaimed California restaurant, he aims to establish a new venture, La Sirena, which will focus on a more accessible dining experience. The Salgado family is excited about this new chapter, integrating culinary pursuits with family connections and exploration of their natural surroundings.
Door County, Wisconsin – Carlos Salgado, renowned for his role as executive chef and co-founder of Taco María in California, has embarked on a new chapter in his culinary career after deciding to close the award-winning restaurant in July 2023. Salgado and his wife, Emilie, relocated to Door County, Wisconsin with their two young children, seeking personal growth, family connection, and a closer relationship with nature.
Salgado gained recognition in the culinary world for his innovative approach to Mexican cuisine. He began his career in San Francisco, unintentionally stepping into the culinary scene as a pastry chef at Winterland and later working at Coi. His culinary journey continued as he played a vital role in launching Commis, a restaurant in Oakland, before founding Taco María in Costa Mesa in 2013. The establishment transitioned from a food truck to a full-fledged restaurant, earning four consecutive Michelin stars and multiple nominations for the prestigious James Beard Award for Best Chef.
The closing of Taco María marks a significant shift for the Salgado family. The decision comes after years of intense work and a desire for reflection and personal development. The COVID-19 pandemic served as a pivotal moment for the couple, allowing them to reevaluate their priorities and lifestyle choices. Both Salgado and Emilie expressed a longing for a simpler life that embraced the beauty of the natural environment, leading them to choose Door County, where Emilie’s family resides.
Salgado highlighted the importance of being “proximate to nature,” likening their move to a quest for rejuvenation, much like Victorian characters seeking renewal through the beauty of the natural world. The Salgado family has found joy in exploring the outdoors, with their son displaying a knack for foraging and spotting local wildlife, further enhancing their connection to their new surroundings.
As the family settles into their new life in Door County, they are also working on a new culinary project named La Sirena, meaning “The Siren,” which will overlook Lake Michigan. Unlike Taco María, which was known for its high-end dining experience, La Sirena aims to create a more modest and accessible atmosphere that reflects the Salgados’ revised approach to restaurant ownership. This new venture signifies a shift in focus towards a balanced lifestyle, integrating their professional pursuits with their dedication to family.
Despite the move to Wisconsin, Salgado intends to keep strong ties to California. He plans to maintain bi-coastal connections, returning to Orange County during off-seasons to ensure he remains close to family and the vibrant California food scene. Salgado’s deep-rooted relationships with local farmers, coupled with his passion for Californian produce, will continue to influence his culinary endeavors.
As he embarks on this new journey, Salgado remains committed to his professional development. He acknowledges that his best work is still ahead of him, driven by a desire for innovation and growth in the culinary arts. With a focus on family and the healing power of nature, the Salgado family is approaching their new life with excitement and hope, while also looking forward to the future potential of La Sirena.
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Additional Resources
- Door County Pulse: Kat Turner – Door County’s Own Celebrity Chef
- Green Bay Press Gazette: Students at New Door County Cooking School
- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Kat Turner Competes on Top Chef
- Door County Pulse: From a Knock on a Door to a Cookbook
- Door County Pulse: 20 New Door County Restaurants for 2025
- Wikipedia: Chef
- Google Search: Culinary Arts News
- Google Scholar: Cookbook
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Restaurant
- Google News: Cooking School
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
The Huntington Beach Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntington Beach, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Huntington Beach Surf City USA Marathon, the U.S. Open of Surfing, Fourth of July celebrations at the Huntington Beach Pier, and community festivals at Huntington Beach Central Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Huntington Beach, plus leading businesses in retail, hospitality, and outdoor recreation that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
