[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 184 (Wednesday, November 30, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1189-E1190]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING CHEF FERNANDO OLEA, RECIPIENT OF THE 2022 JAMES BEARD AWARD 
                        FOR BEST SOUTHWEST CHEF

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. TERESA LEGER FERNANDEZ

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 30, 2022

  Ms. LEGER FERNANDEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Chef Fernando 
Olea of Santa Fe, New Mexico, for his receipt of the James Beard ``Best 
Chef of the Southwest'' Award.
  Chef Olea first graced Santa Fe with his culinary talents back in 
1991. Donning his signature cowboy hat, he infuses his Mexican dishes--
particularly his New Mexican moles--at his current restaurant, Sazon, 
with fresh and local ingredients. He created a New Mexican mole in 2009 
in celebration of the 400-year anniversary of the founding of Santa Fe. 
The recent James Beard recognition is just the latest accolade in his 
career. He also earned the National Restaurant Association's Faces of 
Diversity Award and was recognized by former First Lady, Michelle 
Obama, for his involvement in Cooking with Kids. He even served as 
President of the Santa Fe Wine and Chile Fiesta a few years back.
  Recent recognitions have been 2019 Restaurateur of the Year by the 
New Mexico Restaurant Association; past three years named in Trip 
Advisor's Top 10 Best Fine Dining Restaurants in the U.S.; and the AAA 
4 Diamond Award to Sazon. He is also quick to say these awards are not 
for him; they are his gifts to Santa Fe, as he works toward changing 
the

[[Page E1190]]

usual perception of what people think of food in New Mexico. He dreams 
of seeing Santa Fe become a true culinary destination on the same level 
where the City is always listed as one of the top ten visitor 
destinations in the country and top three art destinations with New 
York and Los Angeles.
  Chef Olea's eyes light up the most, though, when he speaks about his 
experiences beyond his renowned cuisine. Along with the New Mexico 
Restaurant Association, he helps students obtain scholarships. Through 
Cooking with Kids, he teaches families to make fun and nutritious 
meals. He also emphasizes his work with the Children's Cancer 
Foundation. Simply put, he strives to improve the quality of life for 
his entire community.
  If you ask Chef Olea what he is most proud of, he'll reply that it is 
how Santa Fe and New Mexico have adopted him. If you ask me, we are the 
ones who are so lucky he has chosen to make our community home.

                          ____________________