News Summary
Chef Carlos Salgado, celebrated for his work at Taco María, has closed his restaurant in Costa Mesa to open a new dining spot, La Sirena, in Door County, Wisconsin. He seeks personal and creative growth while fostering joy and representation of Mexican cuisine in the Midwest. La Sirena will showcase a unique prix fixe menu and focus on connecting with nature as he aims to balance work and family life.
Door County, Wisconsin – Chef Carlos Salgado Announces New Restaurant Move
Chef Carlos Salgado, co-founder and executive chef of the celebrated Taco María, has announced the closure of his restaurant and a significant relocation to Door County, Wisconsin, where he plans to open a new dining establishment named La Sirena. The change comes after a decade of success at Taco María, which was known for its unique take on high-end and homestyle Mexican cuisine, earning four consecutive Michelin stars and the title of L.A. Times Restaurant of the Year in 2018.
Closure of Taco María and Reasons for the Move
In July 2023, Salgado made the difficult decision to close Taco María in Costa Mesa, California. The move to Door County, where his wife Emilie grew up, is reportedly driven by a desire for personal and creative growth, as well as the need to escape the intense pressures associated with managing a Michelin-starred restaurant. The couple recognized that the COVID-19 pandemic prompted a significant reevaluation of their priorities, leading them to seek a better balance between work and family life, with an emphasis on connecting with nature.
A New Beginning in Door County
Described by Salgado as a “magical place,” Door County offers a contrasting backdrop to California’s vibrant culinary scene. The lush landscapes and tranquil environment have had a positive impact on his well-being and creativity. Salgado enjoys foraging with his children outdoors, which contributes to a slower, more grounded lifestyle away from the high-stakes industry of Los Angeles.
Details on La Sirena
La Sirena, which translates to “The Siren,” is set to debut in Ephraim, Wisconsin. The restaurant aims to present a prix fixe menu that showcases both Mexican and American ingredients, with a strong focus on handmade tortillas. The couple intends to maintain their culinary roots in Orange County by being bi-coastal, allowing for periodic returns to California during the restaurant’s off-season.
Emphasizing Cultural Representation
As Salgado adjusts to his new life in the Midwest, he acknowledges the cultural differences compared to California. He sees this transition as an opportunity to foster greater joy and representation of Mexican cuisine within the region. Emilie supports this vision and is eager to raise their children with an understanding of both cultures by exposing them to experiences in both environments.
Future Vision
Moving forward, Salgado expresses excitement about the potential of continuing to innovate within Mexican cuisine while making a lasting imprint on the local dining scene. He identifies as “proudly Mexican American” and remains committed to expanding the reach and appreciation of Mexican culinary traditions in his new home.
As La Sirena prepares to open its doors, both Salgado and Emilie look forward to presenting a unique dining experience that blends their rich culinary heritage with the natural beauty of Door County. Their journey marks a significant shift in both personal and professional realms, with hopes to inspire and connect with the community through their food.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Chef Carlos Salgado to Open New Restaurant La Sirena in Door County
Additional Resources
- OC Register: Carlos Salgado Moves East
- Wikipedia: Chef
- LA Times: Taco María to La Sirena
- Google Search: Carlos Salgado
- Door County Pulse: New Restaurants for 2025
- Google Scholar: Mexican Cuisine
- Door County Pulse: New Dining Spots
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Restaurant
- AOL: Taco María Iteration
- Google News: Door County Restaurants
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA
The Costa Mesa Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, performances at the Pacific Amphitheatre, and community gatherings at The LAB Anti-Mall. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Visit Costa Mesa, plus leading businesses in retail, entertainment, and innovation that shape the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERESantaAna.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
