Claudette Zepeda
She's a chef, author, restaurateur and Food Network competitor.
Claudette Zepeda Bio
Claudette Zepeda is a Mexican American chef and and culinary anthropologist who grew up on the border of San Diego and Tijuana. She has become legendary from her appearances on Top Chef, Bobby’s Triple Threat, Tournament of Champions IV and VII, House of Knives, Wildcard Kitchen, Alex vs. America and a special episode of Selena + Chef: Home for the Holidays.
When she’s not slaying her competition or delighting viewers with dishes reflective of her Mexican roots, she’s busy running Chispa Hospitality, creating inventive food concepts in different cities: from her flagship, VAGA Restaurant & Bar, in Encinitas, California; to Taqueria Zepeda inside of Nashville’s GEODIS Park; to Novecientos Grados, a collaboration with Tony Hawk at San Diego International Airport that celebrates border and skater culture.
In addition to her growing enterprises, Claudette has also made it her mission to give back through her organization, Viva La Vida, helping Mexican women break free from generational poverty by working with them to establish their own micro-businesses, creating opportunities for single mothers to import their heirloom ingredients to the United States.
Her first cookbook, Cooking the Borderlands: Spice and Smoke Between Mexico and the States (Clarkson Potter), hit bookshelves nationwide June 2026 and features more than 100 recipes directly influenced by Claudette’s life and upbringing on the Mexican-American border.
The Latest From Claudette
Marcus Samuelsson Shows Up to Work on 'The Line' 15 Photos
Marcus Samuelsson joins his Hav & Mar team — Fariyal Abdullahi, Ed Brumfield and Greg Pena — for a global seafood battle.
Claudette Zepeda Wins the First-Ever 'Guy’s Grocery Games' Global Games 11 Photos
The Mexican-American chef is heading home with the Winner’s Cup, $50,000 and a title that she’s proud to share with her ancestors, …
'Bobby Flay's The Line' Features Real-Time Culinary Restaurant Battles Jul 28, 2026
The all-new series — featuring Food Network icons like Antonia Lofaso, Claudette Zepeda and more — premieres Tuesday, September 8 …
Meet the Chefs Competing in the First-Ever 'Guy’s Grocery Games' Global Games Tournament 13 Photos
Which Food Network star will take home the trophy and $50,000 in the inaugural Global Games?
Claudette Zepeda Talks Her New Cookbook, Cultural Identity and Growing Up a 'Border Kid' Jun 2, 2026
"Cooking the Borderlands" details Claudette Zepeda's unique upbringing straddling two different cultural worlds, crossing back and …
'Alex vs. America': Meet the Season 5 Competitors 17 Photos
This season features a unique twist.
Claudette's Recipes
- Roasted Ham with Salsa Macha
- Arroz con Leche
- Claudette Zepeda Talks Her New Cookbook, Cultural Identity and Growing Up a 'Border Kid'
- Meet the Chefs Competing in the First-Ever 'Guy’s Grocery Games' Global Games Tournament
- Claudette Zepeda Wins the First-Ever 'Guy’s Grocery Games' Global Games
- 'Alex vs. America': Meet the Season 5 Competitors
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