Chef Donnie Masterton

It was an honor to write the cover story for the June 1st edition of Atención, coming out today on Chef Donnie Masterton and his 18-year impact on the culinary scene in San Miguel de Allende. <> While the rise of San Miguel’s food scene is certainly part of his story, there’s another look into the chef and much of it may surprise you. This occupied all of my time in the month of May. <> When I stepped back and looked at everything Chef Donnie Masterton has contributed to San Miguel over the years, one thing became unmistakably clear - no chef has done more to shape the culinary identity of San Miguel de Allende than Chef Donnie Masterton. He not only opened restaurants, but he also helped lay the foundation for the diverse gastronomic community that defines San Miguel de Allende today. He created opportunities for local talent, inspired a generation of young chefs and elevated the city’s culinary standards. He gave new meaning to farm-to-table by stepping into the role of the farmer himself, growing much of the produce he uses at his restaurants. He has risen to prominence on the international culinary stage, collaborated with a remarkable roster of culinary legends and helped transform San Miguel de Allende into one of Mexico’s great food cities. <> Chef Donnie Masterton loves San Miguel de Allende. His legacy has never been defined solely by restaurants or business ventures, but by the care and confidence he has invested in the people who surround him. <> Chef Masterton is entering a new chapter. Beyond transforming the restaurant experience at Barrica de Fuego in Los Senderos, he’s also launched a new charity, Let the Kids Cook, that may become one of the most meaningful projects of his career - giving young people opportunities, mentorship, and hope through the power of cooking and food. His greatest impact on San Miguel de Allende may not be behind him at all — it may just be beginning. <> Thanks to Atención Editor, Camie Fenton, for your support and commitment to telling the stories that really matter to our community and to Lorena Campillo for all the behind-the-scenes, technical magic that got it to press. <> Also, an extra special thanks to my favorite group of photographers: Nicolas De Panam, Juan Carlos Sedano, Sean Reagan and Gunther Maier, who accepted my challenge to photograph Chef Donnie Masterton for this story. The result is a series of images that capture the intensity, creativity and presence behind the man who helped build culinary San Miguel. <>

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