To Nacxi, authenticity means maintaining respect for a product’s true origins and honoring lasting traditions and techniques. He is following the path of those who came before him while adding the next chapter to the tome of Mexico's culinary and cultural traditions.
aBOUT
Mexican Chef-Researcher and Culinary Consultant, Nacxi Gaxiola has almost 20 years of experience specializing in authentic Mexican cuisine. His research-based approach to recipe and menu creation aims to honor traditional Mexican cuisine, while elevating it through modern techniques.
Nacxi strives for perfection, but believes it can only be achieved through practice, persistence, and the art of consistent reproduction. He holds conscientious methods and communal values as cornerstones of his vision, paying attention to every detail so that it is thoughtful, mindful, aware, and done with a dedication to sustainable methods and practices, all the while pushing boundaries and finding new and innovative ways to engage.
Teaching the world about Mexican flavors and culture is important to him because, as an immigrant, he has seen, first-hand how Mexican food is often misunderstood, misrepresented and even diminished. He wants to share his appreciation for the complex and bold preparations that sometimes take days or weeks to prepare and replace these misconceptions with the dynamic realities of traditional Mexican cuisine.
Nacxi’s promise is to constantly evolve - pushing boundaries, giving back, and exposing the voices and new methods he believes in.
PRESS
Nacxi's knowledge of Mexican history and his research-based approach to menu creation have proven to be the key to the success of restaurants in both Mexico and the United States. Nacxi’s restaurants and cuisine have received rave reviews from The New York Times, Time Out New York, The Village Voice, New York Magazine, Michelin, The Daily News, and many more.
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PUBLICATIONS
Nacxi has been involved in research projects, recipe testing and development; and food styling, as well as contributing with creations of his own.
Diccionario Enciclopedico de Gastronomia MExicana
Nacxi worked for esteemed chef-researcher Ricardo Muñoz Zurita as an executive culinary researcher helping to create an updated edition of the Encyclopedic Dictionary of Mexican Gastronomy.
Appearances
Nacxi´s work has appeared in some printed works and he also has contributed with recipes to some local publications.
CONTRIBUTIONS
Nacxi has contributed to the research and development for many publications on the subject of Mexican Food.
MEDIA
PROJECTS
XILLI
XILLI is a collection of authentic, traditional and artisanal Mexican Salsas, Moles, Escabeches and Adobos, made by Mexicans, developed by chefs and representing our country’s true culinary heritage. We pay homage to the rich history of Mexican cuisine as it has never been honored before. Our flavors call to mind that favorite dish your Mexican Abuela used to make. Our mission is to help educate a palates through scientific research and knowledge of Mexican cuisine.
XILLI Truck
A vintage-style food truck specializing in traditional Mexican street foods housed in a Vintage Citroen H Van offering several varieties of corn masa-based foods: Tacos de Canasta, Tacos de Guisados and other Antojitos.
SERVICES
CONSULTING
As an expert in authentic Mexican cuisine, Nacxi has assisted restaurants and individuals in every stage of executing professional, quality, culinary experiences. His research-based approach can help refine and reenergize menu items, improve flavor profiles, and elevate dining experiences. Through Nacxi’s assistance, clients have been able to quickly maximize back-of-the-house efficiencies, roll out authentic Mexican menus, and improve sales and customer satisfaction by revamping menu items.
TEACHING
Starting with an early team-up with esteemed Mexican Chef-researcher Ricardo Muñoz Zurita, Nacxi’s teaching style brings authentic Mexican cuisine into the classroom and other private settings. Focusing on replicating –and improving– the experiences of authentic Mexican cuisine, Nacxi teaches a variety of original techniques from the regions of Mexico where mouth-watering dishes originated. Enjoy the pleasure of making genuine salsas from scratch following carefully researched recipes, or learn how to use the Butane torch –Nacxi’s favorite kitchen tool– for roasting and giving food a final char.
Whether you’re looking for a fun way to learn some new culinary techniques, or build out recipes like mole and salsas from scratch, Nacxi will help you get to the next level in understanding and preparing Mexican dishes.
CATERING
Nacxi and his talented team have catered large-, and small-, scale events, as well as private dining experiences, in the New York City area. With customizable, passed, and plated menu choices, his approach to food honors traditional Mexican flavors and recipes, elevated through modern techniques and presentations, appropriate for any occasion.