Meet your chef: Alberto Soto of Slope Room
Editor’s Note: The Vail Daily features area chefs in a new series called “Meet Your Chef” so you can learn a little more about those making art in the kitchen. If you are a local chef and would like to be part of this series, please email Tricia Swenson (t[email protected]) and Sean Naylor ([email protected]).
Abby Dykes/Courtesy Photo
Q: What is your name, where do you cook and what is your official title?
A: Alberto Soto, Executive Chef of Slope Room at Gravity Haus in Vail.
Q: How long have you lived in the valley and what brought you here?
A: I have been living in Vail since October 2020. I moved to Vail in order to open Slope Room.
Gravity Haus Vail
Q: Who has inspired you throughout your culinary journey?
A: I’ve had many inspirations throughout my career, but the one that stands out the most is Grant Achatz. When I first picked up her cookbook “Alinea” I was hooked, I knew I would pursue a career as a chef. My mentor Kevin Taylor and his son Ryan Taylor were also a great inspiration to me, providing me with the foundation I needed to succeed in this industry. My chef de cuisine, Frank Blea and his contribution throughout the opening of Slope Room has also proven to be a great inspiration to me. Thanks to his Michelin Star experience, he helped build what is today Slope Room.
Q: What is your favorite spice?
A: It would be hard to land on just one favorite spice, but I currently prefer black cardamom. Dried over an open fire, it gives off a strong smoky aroma.
Abby Dykes/Courtesy Photo
Q: Favorite protein?
A: I like the versatility of chicken and pork. These proteins are also used in some of my favorite dishes like posole, vindaloo, carnitas and fried chicken.
Q: Your favorite fruits and vegetables?
A: Favorite fruits are figs, persimmons, bananas and peppers. Favorite vegetables are beets, radishes, tomatoes and parsnips.
Q: Name your carbs: pasta, potatoes, rice, polenta, etc. ?
A: My favorite carb is rice. Rice is the most consumed food in the world, every culture has a unique rice dish that is fascinating. If I had to choose one last meal, it would absolutely be sushi rice, grilled chicken, grilled ponzued jalapenos and furikake.
Q: What’s your favorite comfort food?
A: My favorite comfort foods are pizza, any type of chowder, and fried chicken.
