Chef Crystal Espinoza is a native-born Angeleno. She knew early In her life that she wanted to be a Chef. After working some entry-level jobs in restaurants, Crystal headed to Culinary School. She developed a love for pasta and pork while she served as Sous Chef at Union in Pasadena. From there she moved on to open Marie Petulla and Bruce Kalman’s sister concept Knead Pasta Bar in Grand Central Market. After feeling like she needed a change she moved to work under Chef Jessica Largey at Simone. There she met Chef Jason Beberman. After Simone closed she went out to the Westside to work at Taiwanese soul food concept Little Fatty. Soon after, Chef Jason tapped her again to join the team at Guerrilla Tacos. There she ran the entire kitchen day-to-day as Executive Sous Chef. After three years with Guerrilla Tacos, she was promoted to Culinary Director where she oversees three concepts under Restaurateur Brittney Valles. Crystal is a mother and spends as much time with her daughter, Mia, as she possibly can. At Guerrilla Tacos she is able to reconnect with her Mexican roots while pulling influence from the diverse cultures of the city she has grown up in.
