Fluent In Fire

Introducing Chef Alec Costilla, Chef de Cuisine of Casa Kenji 👨‍🍳🔥
Born in Lubbock and raised in Austin, Alec found his way into the kitchen early—and never looked back. His time in kitchens like Pieous, Este, and Otoko (under Chef Yoshi Okai) helped shape a style rooted in precision, progression, and respect for the craft.

Over the past 8–9 years, his cooking has become defined by fire—blending Texas, Latin, French, and Japanese influences into something thoughtful, dynamic, and approachable.
Before Houston, he was already building momentum with intimate omakase experiences. Now at Casa Kenji, alongside Chef Bigler Cruz, he brings that vision to a larger stage—focused on smoke, seasonality, and dishes that tell a story.

Houston, welcome Chef Alec Costilla.