El Alma Cafe y Cantina – Texas Peach Flan

GIVING BACK

“Saint Louise House is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the success of women and their children moving from homelessness to healthy, independent lives. We’ve been long-time partners with SLH and have known the women who’ve helmed the project for many years. SLH is an incredible and extremely well-run non-profit that is doing very important work.” – Alma Alcocer

EXECUTIVE CHEF & OWNER ALMA ALCOCER’S STORY

Originally from Mexico City, Chef Alma Alcocer came to Austin in 1989 by way of Le Cordon Bleu culinary academy in Paris. After lending her skills to a brief stint in catering, Alma found herself working at a nationally-recognized fine dining restaurant, Jeffrey’s, in Austin. Under celebrated Chef David Garrido’s skillful hand, Alma thrived in his collaborative environment that encouraged team input on the regularly evolving menu. Alma quickly moved through the kitchen from sous chef to executive chef upon Garrido’s departure.

In 2009, Alma left Jeffrey’s to work as Chef de Cuisine for Chef Miguel Ravago of the famed interior Mexican restaurant, Fonda San Miguel. Alma’s world-class training fit seamlessly into the most accomplished Mexican restaurant in Texas. Alma enjoyed showcasing the flavors of Mexican cuisine with fresh produce from the restaurant garden as well as other local ingredients.

Longtime friend, Carlos Rivero, asked Alma to join the team of Austin Tex-Mex favorite, El Chile. After working together, it quickly became evident to both that a restaurant of Alma’s own was long overdue. The two crafted a plan to create a concept that would blend her classical training with her Mexico City roots for a homespun take on authentic Mexican dishes, and El Alma was born.

Today, Alma can be found at her flagship El Alma developing new creations for the restaurant menu as well as executing the restaurant groups’ rapidly growing catering and events program.