Hugo Ortega Biography

Hugo Ortega is executive chef/co-owner of three of Houston’s top restaurants – Backstreet Café Hugo’s and Caracol. He is a five-time James Beard Awards finalist among other accolades has been recognized locally nationally and globally for his inspirational story and his passion for sharing traditional Mexican cooking and culture.
Ortega’s American Dream story started at Backstreet Cafe a neighborhood bistro started by Tracy Vaught in 1983. He began his career in the restaurant business first as dishwasher and busboy and later as a line cook before graduating from culinary school and later becoming Backstreet’s executive chef. He and Vaught married and together they have created an award-winning Houston restaurant family that also includes Hugo’s and Caracol.
Ortega was born in Mexico City the oldest of a family of eight children. At 15 he began working at one of several Procter & Gamble factories in Mexico to help support his family. In 1984 he immigrated to Houston with no contacts or job leads but determined to make a life for himself in America. Slowly step-by-step Ortega began to set down roots in the bustling oil capitol. He shared an apartment with several friends and followed up on leads for jobs in nearby restaurants. He was happy to find his first job as a dishwasher at a popular bar and nightclub. While the pay was meager Ortega grabbed at the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of the restaurant business and find contacts to help him improve his English.

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