Hugo Ortega

Executive Chef

James Beard Award–winning Chef Hugo Ortega’s story is one of talent, perseverance, and heart. Raised in Mexico City and Puebla, he came to Houston at 17, starting at Backstreet and working his way up from dishwasher to Executive Chef and co-owner with his wife, restaurateur Tracy Vaught. Together, they opened Hugo’s, Caracol, Xochi, URBE, and Zaranda—each celebrating the depth and diversity of Mexican cuisine. The first Mexican-born chef to win a James Beard Award, Hugo is also an accomplished author and proud Houstonian who loves cycling and has completed the MS150 multiple times.