Feb 25 • 23:12 UTC 🇲🇽 Mexico El Financiero (ES)

‘They arrived in armored trucks’: the time chef Cristian Morales cooked for ‘El Chapo’

Chef Cristian Morales recounts the unexpected experience of being kidnapped to cook for notorious drug lord Joaquín 'El Chapo' Guzmán.

Cristian Morales, an Argentine chef who has made a name for himself in Mexico, experienced a shocking turn of events when armed men appeared at his Cancun restaurant and took him to prepare a meal for Joaquín 'El Chapo' Guzmán, the infamous leader of the Sinaloa drug cartel. The incident stands out even among the high-profile figures Morales has cooked for over his career, including former U.S. President Donald Trump and prominent Mexican singer Juan Gabriel. Morales recalls this day vividly, noting the surreal nature of being requested by one of the world's most notorious criminals.

Born in Argentina and now a resident of Mexico, Morales has a rich culinary background and a passion for cooking that traces back to his childhood. He has gained significant recognition for his culinary skills, which legitimately puts him in a league with many global figures. However, the experience with 'El Chapo' serves as a stark reminder of the boundaries between normal professional life and the darker side of society in which he operates.

The implications of such experiences are profound, as they illustrate the complexities chefs face when their careers intermingle with criminal elements, underscoring the unique intersection of fame, danger, and culinary art. Morales' story not only highlights his personal experiences but also reflects on the broader context of chefs in volatile environments, where their skills can attract unwanted attention from criminal factions.

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