Chef Rene Ortiz

Native Texan Rene Ortiz has come home. Born in Houston and raised in San Antonio, Chef Ortiz spent the past two decades traveling the world cultivating his international culinary skills. Now he returns to the Lone Star state as Executive Chef of La Condesa, a contemporary Mexican restaurant located in Austin's vibrant 2nd Street district that was nominated for a 2010 James Beard Award for ‘Best New Restaurant'.

A culinary homage to Mexico City's popular Condesa neighborhood, the new restaurant offers modern Mexican cuisine inspired by the diverse cultures and varied regions of Mexico. A reflection of his global culinary influences, Chef Ortiz uses both traditional and modern cooking techniques and ingredients.

Ortiz began his culinary career in Vancouver, as Chef de Cuisine for Robert Clark at the celebrated Star Anise, named Canada's Best Restaurant of the Year in 1996 by Gourmet Magazine. He later worked his way through the brasseries and bistros of Western Europe, absorbing its varied culinary styles and developing his taste for exotic, international flavors.

In 1998, Ortiz returned to the US and New York City where he had the great honor to work with such chefs as Daniel Boulud, Alain Ducasse, and the late Jean-Louis Pallidan. He then became Chef de Cuisine for Douglas Rodriguez at Patria, dazzling diners with his modern Latin-American fare.

After his departure from Patria in 2003, Ortiz began consulting with notable restaurant investors and chefs from around the world. Mark Miller of Santa Fe's Coyote Café asked Ortiz to revamp the menus for Wildfire and Ocean Room, Miller's restaurants in Sydney, Australia. Also in Sydney, Ortiz helped launch the Emerald Room at Industrie, an upscale French bistro.

Most recently, he opened and served as Executive Chef at La Esquina. Time Out's Best New Restaurant of 2007, La Esquina remains one of New York's most coveted reservations.

Now back in Texas and at the helm of La Condesa, Chef Ortiz showcases the bold flavors and vibrant colors of modern regional Mexican cuisine. Dishes range from street food favorites to sophisticated specialties, all made with the freshest ingredients. Austin's largest selection of premium tequilas and innovative artisan cocktails are available to complement the tantalizing fare. Ortiz lives in Austin with his wife, Amy, their son, Milo and daughter Papillon.

Back to about.