CANIRAC has revealed the names of those nominated to the Restaurant Distinction Awards; the highest recognition in Mexico. And it seems that Tijuana may win an award in one of these categories.

The categories that will be awarded are the following:

• “RESTAURANT OWNER OF THE YEAR DISTINCTION” CATEGORY

• “CHEF OF THE YEAR” CATEGORY

• “NEMESIO DIEZ RIEGA – YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR” CATEGORY

• “YOUNG CHEF OF THE YEAR” CATEGORY

• “DISTINGUISHED MEXICAN CHEF ABROAD” CATEGORY

• “PASTRY CHEF OF THE YEAR” CATEGORY

• “TRADITIONAL CHEF OF THE YEAR” CATEGORY

• “GUENTHER MAURACHER REICH – RESTAURANT CHAIN DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR” CATEGORY

• “JOSÉ INÉS LOREDO – FOR MEXICAN CUISINE” CATEGORY

• "CHUCHO ARROYO – FOR THE PRESERVATION, RESCUE, AND PROMOTION OF MEXICAN GASTRONOMY” CATEGORY

• “ANTONIO ARIZA CAÑADILLA – FOR FOREIGN SPECIALTY CUISINE” CATEGORY

• "CARLOS ANDERSON – RESTAURANT INNOVATION” CATEGORY

• "CÉSAR BALSA – HOTEL RESTAURANT" CATEGORY

Tijuana will be represented by Chef Ruffo Ibarra, who will be competing in the Young Chef of the Year Category. Ruffo is part of the first Culinary Art School of Tijuana generation. His career in the kitchen has been like any other artist’s, filled with hardships that have given him a special attitude that nourishes his vocation.

He has gone through all the steps that are required to enter the gastronomy business: from peeling onions to being head chef. Today he has positioned himself as one of Tijuana’s most influential and promising young entrepreneurs.

He is currently the chef and co-owner of Oryx Capital, restaurant located in Tijuana that serves Calibaja gastronomy to the public.

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