Long admired for his authentic approach to Mexican food, Jeff Smedstad is no stranger to the land beyond the border.
His career actually began in the Coast Guard where he cooked for a crew of thirty hungry men three times a day. He was able to learn all the basic culinary skills, which he later honed at the Scottsdale Culinary Institute. He met and married Azucena Tovar in Mexico and his passion for Mexican food was born. He studied with Suzanna Trilling at her famous Seasons of My Heart culinary school in Oaxaca, Mexico. He also traveled in nearly every state of Mexico from Baja to Yucatan gleaning recipes, which have become signature dishes at Los Sombreros, his highly acclaimed restaurant in Phoenix, Arizona.
The Arizona Republic has given Los Sombreros 5 stars and has proclaimed it the Best Mexican Restaurant in Phoenix, AZ. The same award was given from City Guide Scottsdale. The Republic also gave it the “Best Margarita” award. Los Sombreros was one of the top 100 Restaurants to visit in Phoenix Magazine as well as the East Valley Tribune. It was given the award of “Best Mexican Restaurant to take “Out of Towners” due to its authenticity and friendly atmosphere. Local Chefs voting for Desert Living Magazine gave Los Sombreros the “Best Entrée” award and Latina Magazine listed the Chocolate Tamal of Los Sombreros on their “Latina loves list.” Phoenix New Times sited it has the "Best modern Mexicana restaurant." With accolades such as these Jeff clearly knows his way around the Mexican kitchen.
In addition to owning and operating the restaurant, Jeff has also shared his knowledge with students of the Scottsdale Culinary Institute. He also teaches private classes at Los Sombreros.
His recipes have appeared in the Arizona Republic and he and Los Sombreros have been written about in Sunset magazine, Latina Magazine, and The New York Times. He has appeared several times on all major TV affiliates including ABC, NBC and CBS.
Currently he is at work on the Los Sombreros Cookbook, a compilation of his travels, which will highlight signature dishes of the restaurant. Los Sombreros is located at 2534 N. Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85257; call (480) 994-1799 for additional information.