MEET THE CHEF: Rodrigo Quijano of The Boulder Swim Club in Boulder, Colorado
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We sat down with Executive Chef Rodrigo Quijano of The Boulder Swim Club, Boulder’s only outdoor swimming pool and bar, in Boulder, Colorado.
The Boulder Swim Club in Boulder, Colorado
The Boulder Swim Club is focused on developing relationships with local and sustainable vendors. So, take in the views of the Flatirons, while enjoying your delicious food and drink poolside.
Tell us about what your morning routine looks like, and how you like to end your day?
I’m not a morning person, so espresso and coffee are a must! Most days it’s a double shot and a 12 ounce light roast with a chocolate bean! I’m in my late-30’s now so I try to be a little more conscious of my breakfast decisions, so yogurt with local honey (got to support your local honey farmer), granola, chia seeds, and berries have been my go-to! Plus there’s no need to heat up anything, clean up is simple, and probiotics right!
The Boulder Swim Club in Boulder, Colorado
Do you have any awards or achievements that you are most proud of?
I’m still trying to figure out how to get a plethora of accolades for the humble work I do, regardless, in addition to the work I do here I own and operate a Santa Elena’s food truck, it has been a passion project of mine and it has allowed me to connect with and give to our local community. Which for me is all the awards I need!
Do you have a favorite chef that you look up to, and what advice would you give to aspiring chefs?
There are so many amazing and talented chefs world wide that merit nothing but my upmost respect and appreciation, however the work that Jose Andres does outside of his restaurants, and on a global scale is something I admire greatly! To the younger generation of upcoming culinarians I would say this, read, read, read! I think that today’s culinarians have access to a plethora of resources that haven’t always been around, masterclasses, scoolinary, gronda, there is so much information available.
The Boulder Swim Club in Boulder, Colorado
I also think that a lot of today’s chefs are open and willing to share their recipes, procedures, techniques, and nothing is secret, all one has to do is want it! Lastly, be willing to eat everything. I don’t understand cooks that aspire to have long careers in this industry who don’t want to eat certain things. Like being a pianist and choosing not play with certain cords, your only limiting yourself, and your guests.
What do you typically cook at home for yourself or your family?
Simple foods, nothing too technical, meatballs and polenta is a home favorite. I grew up in Mexico City — so I love chilaquiles, tacos, tostadas, chile relleno. I have some young children who have inherited my sweet tooth, and they enjoy when I entertain their whimsical ideas.
What’s a food trend that you’re loving right now and why?
I appreciate the global sense, and urgency surrounding ideas regarding sustainability, finding ways of minimizing waste is a huge responsibility that I do not take lightly. I love finding ways that other chefs create using parts of ingredients that might have otherwise been thrown out. We make a vegan dashi here, using dried shiitakes and kombu, but instead of throwing out the shiitakes and the kombu we re-dehydrate them again, and then blend them down to a fine power which we use to season a variety of products.
The Boulder Swim Club in Boulder, Colorado
What’s that strangest food combination you’ve ever tried? And, did you like it?
Chocolate covered ants. I think it’s a snack that could have potential (think salty sweet), however in this particular circumstance I’m not sure that the chocolate had been tempered properly which made the overall mouthfeel not very pleasant.
What’s your Instagram so that readers can follow?
It’s @boulderswimclub.
The Boulder Swim Club in Boulder, Colorado
What cocktail or beverage do you enjoy most?
I love a great gin and tonic, or a mezcal paloma! However, we have a fantastic bar manager here, Max Alicea, who has recently turned me onto traditional daiquiris, not the overly sweet and frozen mixed stuff, but the genuinely complex and refreshing version that would make even Jennings Cox giddy with excitement!
Have you ever cooked for a celebrity? Do you have a story to tell?
I’ve had the pleasure of cooking for Tommy Chong, while I was the Chef de Cuisine for Zolo Grill. When I was younger and working as young cook in Mexico City, I had the opportunity to cook for the prince of Monaco, as well as some other dignitaries. My sister Federica Quijano who formed the Mexican pop group Kabah was always a fan of my chocolate pancakes!
The Boulder Swim Club in Boulder, Colorado
Tell our readers why they should visit the The Boulder Swim Club?
There a few spaces within Boulder, let alone Colorado that have what we have. There is an Old World charm that is juxtaposed with a contemporary design and vibe that will enchant both young and old alike. The Boulder Swim Club team craves hospitality, and we hope that one will give us the opportunity to delight them with wonderful food and service!
Note: This information was accurate when this article was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
