Gonzo Jimenez

Gonzo Jiménez: Mastering Chocolate with Passion and Precision

🧁 Personal Information

• Full Name: Gonzalo “Gonzo” Jiménez

• Date of Birth: July 31, 1984

• Age: 40 years old

• Place of Birth: Northern Argentina

• Nationality: Argentinian

• Education: Gastronomic Institute of Argentina

• Spouse: Wilma Marie (married in 2014)

• Social Media: Instagram: @chef.gonzo

• Website: Republica del Cacao Chef 

🎓 Early Life and Education

Gonzo Jiménez was born in northern Argentina and raised in a Spanish household surrounded by good food and long family meals. At the age of 17, he began working in restaurants and fell in love with the culinary world. He enrolled in pastry and culinary school in Buenos Aires, where he honed his skills and developed a deep passion for the art of pastry and chocolate .

👨‍🍳 Culinary Career and Achievements

After completing his studies, Chef Gonzo traveled around Argentina working for five-star hotels and renowned chefs. From 2009 to 2013, he worked at major hotels in the United States, including the St. Julien in Boulder, CO, and The Hyatt Corporation in New Orleans and New York. During this period, he launched his personal line of chocolates, supplying various hotels throughout Manhattan, NY with high-end confections .

In 2013, he moved back to South America to work at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Santiago de Chile. Soon after, he accepted a position with Barry Callebaut as a Corporate Chef for the South American Region and Director of the Chocolate Academy in Chile .

Chef Gonzo is currently the Corporate Pastry Chef for the United States and North America at República del Cacao. He travels across North America representing the brand by teaching classes, giving demonstrations, and providing technical assistance to clients .

📺 Media Appearances

Chef Gonzo gained widespread recognition as a resident chocolatier on Netflix's Bake Squad, where he showcased his artistic chocolate skills and innovative dessert creations. His appearances on the show have solidified his status as a celebrity chef .

🌱 Personal Life and Interests

Outside of his culinary endeavors, Chef Gonzo is an avid ultramarathon runner, often participating in races exceeding 60 miles. He finds that running allows him to unwind and fuels his creative energy, which he channels into his chocolate artistry .

Chef Gonzo Jiménez's journey from a young dishwasher in Argentina to a renowned chocolatier and television personality exemplifies the power of passion and perseverance in the culinary world. His dedication to his craft and his innovative approach to chocolate continue to inspire aspiring chefs and food enthusiasts worldwide.