Chef George Mendes’ ability to blend modern techniques with the classic flavors of Spanish, French, and Portuguese cuisines has helped make Aldea, the chef’s first solo restaurant in New York City—and one of GQ magazine’s ten best new restaurants of 2009. Mendes, a New York magazine 2009 “Best New Chef,” honed his talents under the guidance of several culinary masters, including Alain Ducasse and Martin Berasategui, and cooked at Bouley, Wallsé and Tocqueville prior to opening Aldea. He will also be a featured chef at the New York Culinary Experience on October 2nd and 3rd at The French Culinary Institute in NYC.

A New York magazine “best new chef” tells us what he’s loving right now.