My Story
My name is Guillermo Fernando Vidal Vazquez, Executive Chef Memo, and my journey in the culinary world began long before I ever wore a chef’s jacket.
I was only ten years old when I discovered, alongside my parents, Doña Carmita and Don Valerio Vidal, in Yucatán, Mexico, that cooking was about much more than preparing food. It was where our family came together, where recipes were passed down from one generation to the next, and where every meal was prepared with love, patience, and pride.
My parents owned a small family lunch café, Lonchería La Normita, and it became my very first culinary school.
Every morning, they prepared traditional Yucatecan favorites such as panuchos, salbutes, tortas, tostadas, and tortilla soup, served with pulled rotisserie chicken, corn tostadas, and pickled red onions. Alongside these daily specialties, they proudly served classic homemade dishes including Frijol con Puerco, Bistec a la Mexicana, rice, and black beans.
As a young boy, I had no idea that those aromas, flavors, and early mornings wouldshape the rest of my life.
My parents taught me that great food begins long before the stove is turned on. It begins with respect for every ingredient, a commitment to hard work, and a genuine desire to serve others.
Without realizing it, those early lessons planted the passion that continues to guide me every day.
When I came to the United States, I started from the bottom and worked my way through the restaurant industry. My first professional kitchen was Guaymas Restaurant in Tiburon, California. From there, I continued growing through experiences with Pasta Pomodoro, Reposado, and The British Bankers Club.
Throughout my career, I have worked in almost every position—from dishwasher and prep cook to chef, server, general manager, and eventually Executive Chef. Every position taught me something different: humility, discipline, hospitality, leadership, and the importance of teamwork.
One of the most important lessons I learned is that a restaurant becomes great when every person understands that their role matters.
That belief became one of the foundations of Memo’s Cuisine.
Today, Memo’s Cuisine brings together my Mexican roots, my professional experiences with Italian and French cuisine, and my passion for creating memorable experiences for our guests.
I believe every plate tells a story—where we come from, what we have learned, and how much we care.
My goal is simple:
To make everything good become excellent.
That is the philosophy behind Memo’s Cuisine:
Good to Great.
Memo’s Cuisine is more than a restaurant. It is my story, my family, my team, and a dream that continues to grow.
The People Who Helped Shape My Journey
No journey is ever built alone. Throughout my life, there have been people who believed in me, taught me, supported me, and helped me become the person and chef I am today. These people have played an important role in my journey and in the creation of Memo’s Cuisine.
Michele Benelli was one of the first people to guide me during the beginning of my new life in the United States and my journey in the restaurant business. We worked together at Savanna Grill in Corte Madera, California, where I learned valuable lessons about the restaurant business and about life. Michelle believed in me, gave me her guidance, and later gave me a helping hand when I was working toward opening Memo’s Cuisine. To me, she is much more than a mentor. She is like a second mother and a teacher whose lessons I will always carry with me.
Victoria Magaña, my wife, may she rest in peace, was one of the most important people in my life. She taught me the importance of personal growth, education, wisdom, and always looking toward a better future. Her support, love, and teachings helped me become a better person and encouraged me to continue pursuing success. Her influence remains a part of who I am today, and her memory will always have a place in my journey.
Jorge Rodriguez, Memo’s CEO, my partner, my brother in life, and a friend of more than 30 years, has been a key person in the creation of Memo’s Cuisine. Jorge believed in my talent when I needed someone to believe in me. His unconditional support, trust, and commitment have helped turn this vision into a reality. I am grateful that after more than three decades of friendship, I can now call him not only my friend and brother, but also my business partner.
Mirlé Gongora, my fiancée and Pastry Chef, has become an important part of Memo’s Cuisine and of my life. Her support, professionalism, dedication, and passion for her craft bring something special to our team. Having her by my side, both personally and professionally, makes this journey even more meaningful.
Ray Palacios, my brother and friend, was there when Memo’s Cuisine was becoming more than just a dream. He gave me his time, his hard work, and his hands to help with the construction of the restaurant. His support helped turn a vision on paper into a real place where people could gather, enjoy food, and create memories. I will always be grateful for everything he did to help make this dream possible.
Fernando Palacios helped bring another important part of my vision to life. He took part in building this platform—Memo’sCuisine website—giving the restaurant a place to share its story, its food, and its vision with the world. His work and supporthave helped Memo’s Cuisine reach beyond the walls of the restaurant and connect with our guests in a new way.
Each of these people has contributed something different to my life. One taught me, one inspired me, one believed in me, onewalks beside me, and others put their hands and talents to work to help build this dream.
I can honestly say that I am where I am today because of these people and many others who have believed in me along theway.
Today, I am not simply opening a restaurant or building a business. I am realizing a dream that began many years ago. I am getting closer to the goal, and I know that I am not reaching it alone.
We have made the difference together.
This is what family means to me. Family is not only about blood. It is also about the people who stand beside you, believe in you, help you when you need a hand, and celebrate your victories as if they were their own.
To every person who has been part of this journey, I say from my heart:
Good to Great.