In honor of today’s National Tequila Day celebration we bring you our exclusive interview with Chef Aarón Sánchez, “MasterChef” judge, and 2017 HOMBRE Man of the Year in Culinary Arts. The respected and talented chef has teamed up with Tequila Cazadores to spread the knowledge of quality tequila, and develop the newly created “Tortilla Awards.” In a revealing conversation following an intimate cooking lesson Chef Sánchez shares the secret of a superior tequila, what to expect in upcoming episodes of “MasterChef,” and plans for Tequila Cazadores creative new competition.

Chef Sánchez is an award-winning chef, TV personality, cookbook author and philanthropist. He is the chef/owner of Mexican restaurant Johnny Sánchez, with locations in New Orleans and Baltimore. He co-starred on Food Network’s “Chopped” and “Chopped Junior,” and is the author of two cookbooks. An active philanthropist, Sánchez launched the Aarón Sánchez Scholarship Fund, an initiative empowering aspiring chefs from the Latin community to follow their dreams and attend culinary school.

Hosted by Chef Sánchez, the Tortilla Awards celebrate the unsung hero in Mexican cuisine, the tortilla, by highlighting each respective cities’ five best tortilla makers and challenging them to put their best dish forward. Like you can’t have the best cocktail without the best tequila, we all know you can’t have the best taco without the best tortilla. The contestants will be judged on their tortillas, tacos 
and and the how well the dish pairs with the event’s local 
cocktail. 
At the end of each event the winner will be crowned the best tortilla maker in their city.

Chef Aarón Sánchez, and Tequila CAZADORES Brand Ambassador Many Hinojosa

HOMBRE: It’s good to see you back with Tequila Cazadores.
Aarón Sánchez: We started two years ago and the idea was to spread the concept of Tequila Cazadores, bring it to different markets, and offer something more authentic. I’m creating recipes utilizing tequila, and that will complement Tequila Cazadores. That’s how it all began. And as a good Mexican they thought I’d be the right person to join with them in this campaign.

H: What defines a superior tequila for you?
AS: It depends on the type. The three types of tequila are Blanco or Silver, Reposado or Rested, and Añejo or Aged which has more character, and it’s a little heavier. A good tequila in general has to have an element of acidity, a lot of body, and bring out the flavor of the agave plant.

H: Now you’re back for another season of MasterChef, what can we expect this season?
AS: This year the competition is tougher than ever. All the challenges and contests are more difficult. The difference is that we separated the twenty four competitors into three teams of eight. Each judge is responsible of being a mentor to the eight people on their team. The idea is that one of them will win and give sort of a little of street cred to have the winner on our team.

H: How does it feel to be a Latin chef in such an important competition?
AS: This is the most important culinary competition in the world, and to have a Latin chef participating is a huge honor. It’s a source of pride for Latinos. For me it has been a dream. To be able to accomplish this makes me happy. I have a different approach to food and I feel that adds a lot to the program.

H: What are your future plans?
AS: Right now we’re involved in the Tortilla Awards campaign. We’re traveling to three different markets – Los Angeles, Chicago (7/24), and Austin (9/11) – to choose the best tortilla, both flour and corn. The winner will receive different prizes and the honor of making the best tortilla.

H: Finally, what advice can you offer aspiring chefs?
AS: The most important thing is to find a mentor. Someone who will help and teach you, and give you life lessons, not only in the kitchen. Don’t think you can do it alone. That’s my advice.