Sedona, AZ — When it comes to cuisine nothing puts a restaurant higher on the map than its chef.
If the restaurant is a ship, then the chef is its captain guiding it from one gastronomic voyage to another. If the restaurant is an orchestra, the chef is its conductor.
For Steakhouse89 in West Sedona it’s Chef Juan Carlos Amaro (J.C.) at the helm of one of the best fine-dining experiences in Sedona.
Hailing from the city of Barquisimeto, Lara State, Venezuela, he came to the states nine years ago, relocating two years ago from Orlando Florida to Sedona, after falling in love with the city.
His passion for cooking, as with most distinguished chefs, started when he was a boy.
“Since I was very young, I have had a passion for gastronomy,” he said. “I’ve been many years in the industry, having the opportunity to work with great chefs coming from different countries.”
His devotion to the art of gastronomy is exemplified in every culinary dish he creates, as is the wisdom he gained through the years from other chefs of distinction.
“I am passionate for gastronomy; knowing and enjoying the flavors, smells, spices, herbs and textures of each culture that I have had the opportunity to experience,” he said. “I also have had the opportunity to work with so many chefs with wonderful careers from many parts of the world, including Chef Orlando Amaro, Chef Antonio Garces, Chef Norm Kurka, Chef Mark Negron, Chef Pablo Forero, and Chef Jeremy Gotterup, to name a few.”
In his opinion, a chef must have a well-rounded background in many cooking styles and disciplines.
“A chef must have general gastronomic culture,” he said. “They have to know and master cooking techniques ranging from classic techniques to the cutting-edge techniques of modern cuisine. Knowing local and international gastronomy is very important. You have to know the basics of the physical and chemical 
fundamentals. You must know everything that’s happening in the kitchen. Order and cleanliness, good palate, good sense of aesthetics, initiative, and curiosity are all part of the mix.”
Like many chefs, he has a go-to list of his favorite spices.
“Coriander, cumin, saffron, cinnamon, chilies and peppers, cloves, cardamom, nutmeg, and of course, Venezuelan sweet chili which is very special to me,” he said.
For him, cooking is an art form, equal to all the other variants in the world of art.
“Cooking is an art like painting or making music,” he said. “It is inspired by the work of those who came before the artist. The creative process begins with inspiration and passion, I can be inspired by a freshly harvested, seasonal ingredient or also by a recent and innovative product. It can inspire me with a song, a memory; the flavors of distant lands, like Spain or Italy as well as our Latin American aromas and flavors that are incredible. Then, there is the memory of the palate and the relationship that exists between flavors and memories. There are foods that make us travel back in time. There are foods that transport us to our childhood.
“I definitely love Mediterranean cuisine. Italian cuisine is one of my favorites. Also, the
Latin flavors, Caribbean flavors. I couldn’t define myself with only cooking style. Gastronomy is such a complete art, because apart from being appreciated by the eye for its shapes and colors, and the ear for the sounds, it becomes part of those who appreciate it and valuate it with taste and immersion in its aromas, flavors and textures.”
Cooking with love and passion are the basic ingredients to unforgettable cuisine. Not only does J.C. possess these qualities when it comes to food, but for where he lives and works as well.
“I definitely love this place, the city and its people,” he said. “Sedona has been very satisfying for me, working alongside Steakhouse89 owners Cyril Chiosa and Dieter Lehmann, manager Laco Mendoza and the staff. We invite everyone to come in and enjoy the beautiful atmosphere and cuisine of one of Sedona’s best fine dining restaurants.”
Steakhouse89 is located at 2620 W. State Route 89A. To make reservations and learn more visit www.steakhouse89.com.