ELOISA

John Rivera Sedlar is chef-owner of Eloisa. He is a James Beard nominated American chef and writer.

Growing up in Santa Fe, New Mexico, he had his first taste of Latin cooking in the kitchens of his mother, aunts, and beloved Grandma Eloisa.

“If I close my eyes, I can still smell those fragrant aromas and taste those sweet, spicy, earthy foods.” J.S.

Sedlar gained national attention from food lovers and journalists in the early 1980s when he combined classic French culinary techniques with memories of his New Mexican childhood to create: Modern Southwest Cuisine. Sedlar has continued to define his cuisine while creating beautiful, delicious, innovative food at his restaurants: Bikini, Abiquiu, Playa and Rivera in Los Angeles.

In 2015, Sedlar returned to Santa Fe to open ELOISA, dedicated to the women who taught him to cook, and named in honor of his maternal grandmother, Eloisa.

ELOISA’s menu marries Latin and Southwestern flavors with regionally specific Northern New Mexican classics. The restaurant’s modern southwest cuisine features premium, locally sourced ingredients and tasting menus that explore Latin history and local culture. Refreshing cocktails compliment ELOISA's earthy, nourishing menu. In July, Eater.com named ELOISA one of the nation’s 21 Best New Restaurants.