Like many historic ranches of the old Southwest, Sierra Bonita Grill has enlisted the culinary expertise of a talented chef steeped in the kitchen traditions of Old Mexico. Sergio Mendez, our Chef of Cuisine, brings more than 17 years of culinary experience to the restaurant named after one of Arizona’s oldest ranches.  

Chef Mendez began his career in New York City, working for the famous China Grill New York, and quickly discovered a passion for culinary arts. As his talents became more apparent, Chef Mendez moved up to New York’s trendiest restaurants, working under a host of world-renowned Executive Chefs.

He worked at the Gotham Bar and Grill under Executive Chef Alfred Portale, called the most influential chef in New York by Gourmet Magazine. Chef Mendez also worked under Chef Christian Delouvrier, currently the executive chef of the Essex House, and Chef Gray Kunz at Lespinasse, whose work there earned a four star rating from the New York Times.

Chef Mendez rounded out his New York experience at other fashionable venues including the Four Seasons Hotel New York, the Bluefin Restaurant and Heartbeat at W New York. In 2004, he relocated to Scottsdale to become banquet chef for the James Hotel, now the Scottsdale Mondrian.

Chef Mendez feels right at home at Sierra Bonita Grill because its Southwestern ambiance allows him “to use the spices and chiles that I grew up with.”

“Sierra Bonita Grill allows me to transform my personal tastes and culinary training into uniquely delicious meals for our guests,” he says. “Our food stands proudly at the crossroads of many cultures.”

Just like the original Sierra Bonita Ranch.