Where did your journey start, and what brought you to Columbus?
I was born in Mexico City. In 2005 I decided to leave the city and go to Playa del Carmen, in the Mayan Riviera. It was in this beautiful place where I met my wife. In 2009 I left Playa and came to Columbus. I created Pibil Columbus in 2016.

What led you to start Pibil?
I went to college and got a degree in hotel and restaurant management. I then left for a year to Monaco to keep studying and working. When I got back to the city I started working with Chef Ricardo Muñoz Zurita; he is very passionate about Mexican cuisine. Pibil Columbus was created because I truly see the need to show people what real Mexican food is all about. It is very clear to me that many restaurants play it safe by making the same "Mexican food" everyone is doing, food that people are familiar with boxed rice, canned beans, watery salsas, under-seasoned food! Mexican food is all about big flavors, colors, and simplicity. My menu is based on dishes that I usually ate when I was living by myself. I put special attention in my salsas since they are a key ingredient in all of my dishes.

What are your signature dishes?
Our signature dish is Cochinita Pibil, which is pulled pork shoulder marinated with annatto seed, fresh-squeezed lime, orange juice, and spices. It is served in two warm corn tortillas (ALWAYS corn, no flour tortillas around here!) or tostada with fresh salsa verde and pickled red onions. Also, I was very surprised to see the successes one of our vegetarian dishes has reached: Hibiscus Flower Enchiladas. They are a HUGE hit! Warm corn tortillas stuffed with hibiscus flower and then covered with a creamy chipotle sauce (made from scratch, of course) topped with cotija cheese, Mexican cream, and pickled red cabbage. Amazingly good!

What's your favorite part of working out of the 1400 Food Lab?
It feels like my second home. I like the makers and the people working at 1400 Food Lab. It is like a big family.

Who's involved in Pibil?
Karen Cooper is my right hand in the kitchen. My other partner (who takes care of all the important office work and a lot more!) is Cesar Lucero. The three of us form Pibil Columbus!

Where can customers find your work?
Our website is PibilColumbus.com and our phone is 440-PIBIL-11. You can follow us on Instagram @pibilcolumbus, Facebook, and Twitter @pibilcolumbus.