Poncho Cadena, a judge on MasterChef and son of the founder of La Leche restaurant in Puerto Vallarta, recounted a chilling incident from August 15, 2016, when his family's restaurant became the center of a violent kidnapping involving members of the notorious Guzmán family. The kidnapping occurred during a celebration for Iván Archivaldo Guzmán, the son of the infamous drug lord Joaquín ‘El Chapo’ Guzmán, highlighting the dangers associated with the Guzmán family's presence in the public sphere. Cadena's narrative reveals the complexities of operating a family business amidst the violent backdrop of Mexico's drug wars.

Following the kidnapping, the restaurant faced significant challenges, both from a business perspective and due to the fear instilled in patrons and staff alike. Poncho and his father have seldom discussed the details of that fateful day, which reflects a broader reluctance among those affected by similar violence to openly confront their experiences. The incident not only left a lasting impact on the Cadena family and their employees but also underscored the vulnerabilities faced by businesses in regions heavily influenced by organized crime.

Cadena's reflections bring attention to the interplay between culinary passion and the harsh realities of living in a violent environment, where even a family restaurant can become embroiled in criminal activities. His story serves as a stark reminder of the broader implications of drug-related violence in Mexico, influencing not just the affected families but also the social fabric of the community that surrounds them.