Chef José Rodriguez, known as “Chef Kiko”, draws his inspiration for cooking from his hometown Veracruz, Mexico.

Rodriguez’s career began on 2004 at the Anasazi hotel under chefs Martin Rios and Oliver Ridgeway. He then spent 8 years at La Boca (Spanish tapas restaurant) where he ran two kitchens with two different menus.

Chef Kiko has been the Executive Chef at Ten Thousand Waves Izanami Restaurant for over six years, serving up Japanese upscale Izakaya dining (an informal Japanese gastropub). The menu consists of seasonal small plates made with authentic Japanese products combined with locally raised meat and vegetables.

He spends his free time with his partner of 17 years, Nora, and their three children. If he is not at Izanami Restaurant, you can usually find him grilling in his backyard with family and friends, sharing his love for cooking and taking care of others.