OUR GANG
the leaders of our banda
Chef-OWNER Diana DAVILA
Chef Diana Dávila, a Chicago native, began her culinary journey at age 10 in her parents' taqueria. She honed her skills under Chef Susana Trilling in Oaxaca, Mexico, and gained diverse experience at esteemed establishments like Butter and Michelin-starred Boka. In Washington, D.C., she was recognized as a "Culinary Rising Star" by Washingtonian in 2010 and as a "Female Force" chef by Washington Life in 2011. Returning to Chicago, Dávila opened Mi Tocaya Antojería, offering her unique interpretations of Mexican cuisine.
CHEF DE CUISINE - DEREK SERRANO
With a family background in the restaurant industry, Derek Serrano was inspired by his grandmother's traditional Mexican cooking. A graduate of Kendall College, he advanced to Executive Chef at Chicago's farm-to-table restaurant TWO, maintaining its Michelin Bib Gourmand status. In 2021, Serrano joined Mi Tocaya Antojería, collaborating with Chef Dávila to modernize classic Mexican dishes.
SOUS CHEF - CHRISTIAN SANTOS
Christian Santos, raised in Chicago's Southside, began cooking for his siblings at a young age. Inspired by the film "Ratatouille," he started his culinary career at 17, progressing from dishwasher to positions at renowned Chicago restaurants like El Solazo and Smyth + The Loyalist. At Mi Tocaya Antojería, Santos reconnects with his heritage and strengthens family bonds through food.