Jorge Jiménez, The Unusual Chef

Jorge Jiménez, Colombian chef and owner of La Beautiful Cocina Inusual, is changing the dining landscape with his revolutionary restaurant concept. His philosophy in life is to help others and to create brave new experiences through food. In his kitchen, he employs people with disabilities and members of other underrepresented communities. Jorge hopes that at his restaurant, people will find more than mouth-watering food and unforgettable moments; he hopes that they will discover who they are.

Jorge Jiménez is a Colombian chef and owner of La Beautiful Cocina Inusual, a special restaurant nestled in the mountainous, coffee-growing region of Manizales in central Colombia. His philosophy in life is to help others and he lives that by creating unforgettable experiences through food. And as the name of Jorge’s restaurant suggests — literally translated as The Beautiful Unusual Kitchen — he has built a place that is both beautiful and unusual. 

Jorge’s revolutionary restaurant is an inclusive space. Inspired by his own experiences of being discriminated against because of his sexual orientation, Jorge set out to create a supportive, welcoming restaurant and working environment. He is committed to hiring people with disabilities and members of other underrepresented communities to work with him in the kitchen. For Jorge, helping others is a way of life. It’s his way of life and his legacy.

La Beautiful Cocina Inusual is a magical place, a house in the middle of the forest, where everyone who works or eats there is made to feel that they are equal and worthy, regardless of their race, faith, sexual orientation or social standing. Under Jorge’s guidance, the team works together closely, with a lot of warmth, patience and mutual respect. The convivial ambience among the team carries over to the restaurant’s guests, too.

Jorge’s cuisine is audacious, colourful and imaginative. The plate is his canvas and he delights in decorating it with surprising touches and flavours. One of his preferred secret ingredients is Martell Cordon Bleu. He loves to cook with this luscious, elegant cognac because of its nutty notes.

When it comes to his cooking overall, Jorge likes to say that he doesn’t follow recipes, he creates them. He built his restaurant in that same spirit: He didn’t follow a pattern, he made a new one — a beautiful, unusual one. This is the legacy he is leaving behind, sharing his culinary styles with the world. 

Jorge hopes that at his restaurant, people will find more than mouth-watering food and unforgettable experiences. He hopes that they will learn to express and take pride in their own essence and identity.