09/02/2026
There are moments in this industry that go far beyond awards.
My friend Chef Martín Bavio Martin Babio | Cook | Chef | Monte | Restaurant | Business came to Monarca, and we had the chance to sit by the fire and talk not just about Michelin, but about the emotions, the sacrifices, the long days, the pressure, and everything behind the journey that brought him to this historic moment.
The very first Michelin Star in the state of Utah.
As a fellow Hispanic, I couldn’t be more proud. Proud of his roots, proud of what this represents for our community, for our state, and especially proud to see that after receiving one of the greatest recognitions in our profession, Martín is still Martín, humble, focused, and grounded.
I asked him what changes now.
His answer said everything:
“Nothing has changed. Maybe more work… but I’m still the same person.”
That is character.
Awards may recognize the work, but they don’t define the person behind it.
Congratulations, my friend. You made history, hermano.
Much respect from Monarca.
UtahFoodScene LatinosInGastronomy MakeHistory
