Join Sonoma Family Meal and locally-renowned chef Carlos Mojica of Guiso Latin Fusion in Healdsburg for a Latin cooking class at the Sonoma Family Meal Kitchen! The hands-on, collaborative class will last 2.5 hours, with time to enjoy your meal together at the end.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this class will offer a fun, engaging learning environment, while raising funds for Sonoma Family Meal’s free culinary job training and food-security programs.

If you haven’t been to the SFM Kitchen yet, this class is also the perfect chance to visit and experience where the magic takes place and how the work gets done.

WHEN: Thursday February 19th, 5-7:30pm
WHERE: SFM community kitchen, 1370A Redwood Way, Petaluma

THE MENU: TBD

ABOUT THE CHEF:

Chef Carlos was born in El Salvador, where his passion for cooking began in the kitchen with his grandmother and mother, creating simple yet flavorful family meals. After his family migrated to the United States, Carlos worked at his uncle’s restaurant in Sebastopol, further deepening his love for food. While attending Piner High School, in Santa Rosa, he joined a newly established culinary program, where he learned professional kitchen skills and participated in local food competitions with renowned chefs like Guy Fieri and Rich Nolan. In 2008, his high school team won first place in the Santa Rosa Iron Chef competition. During this time, Carlos also took on the responsibility of cooking family meals, solidifying his dream of becoming a chef. 

After graduating, Carlos started at Jackson’s in Santa Rosa as a dishwasher but quickly worked his way up through various kitchen roles, impressing his colleagues with his dedication and skill. His hard work caught the attention of two restaurateurs, who offered him a sous chef position at their new restaurant. While thriving in this role, Carlos realized his passion for showcasing Latin cuisine and decided to pursue further education. He earned an associate degree from Santa Rosa Junior College’s culinary program and took additional courses at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) Greystone, St. Helena focusing on pastry and butchery. Next up, Chef Carlos was the head of food development at La Tortilla Factory in Santa Rosa, creating new recipes and products. 

At 24, Carlos saved $60,000 from playing in a popular, award winning family band and flipping a house with his father. In 2014, he found a small restaurant space in Healdsburg and, with his father as a partner, opened Guiso Latin Fusion on October 15, 2015. Drawing inspiration from Central and South America, Carlos built the restaurant’s reputation organically, eventually gaining recognition from a San Francisco Chronicle food writer, which propelled his success.

For Carlos, food is art, and every dish tells a story rooted in his culture and childhood. He strives to create a family-like atmosphere in his restaurant, where guests feel connected and leave with memorable experiences. Beyond running his restaurant, Carlos mentors young chefs, develops a rosé wine brand called BELI’S, and continues to “Live a Flavorful Life.” His motto, “Cook My Culture,” reflects his deep connection to his roots and his passion for creating meaningful culinary experiences.

AWARDS

+Best Chef, 2025 Healdsburg, CA Healdsburg Tribune
+The 100 Best Restaurants in America by OpenTable 2025
+Multiple Diners choice Awards in 2020, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
+Top 100 places to eat in U.S 2024 by Yelp