Remember how last time I talked about finding focus? About stripping away the expensive gear and the distractions to truly see the stories right in front of us? Well, this issue, it's all about embodying that very idea through someone truly special: my nephew Isaac.
Isaac in Rancho Corrido Dec 29 2008
Yitzhak – though we mostly call him Isaac, or affectionately, "el gordo" – is our nephew, and for the summer, he’s traded the familiar landscapes of Wenatchee, Washington, for the controlled chaos of our kitchen here at Xica SF. He’s already got a bit of a travelogue under his belt, with previous stops in the "hell's waiting room" heat of Mexicali and the sun-drenched vibes of North County San Diego. This summer, his passion for food and photography is truly igniting with us.
San Francisco @XICA 07/24/2025
It’s 4:20 PM. I’m standing by the front register, scanning the evening’s reservations, when I spot him. Isaac, on his skateboard, gliding past Battery Street, just minutes before his 4:30 clock-in. He’s only 17, but there’s a quiet determination about him, a calm that draws the attention of everyone in the kitchen.
My very first impression of Isaac at Xica SF was his remarkable poise, a quality where others have often stumbled. He listens, truly listens, taking direction with a maturity far beyond his years. That impression solidified into certainty one night when we were absolutely slammed—a deluge of walk-ins and reservations hitting us all at once. Isaac, barely an hour into his shift, didn't panic. He moved with an almost seasoned grace, addressing each guest, seating them as if he’d been a host for years.
Isaac wasn't exactly green when he arrived. He'd already put in time at Garlini's Napoletana in Wenatchee, sharpening his skills and his resolve. He was a natural choice for this blog because his time with us, while impactful, is also brief – he's about to embark on his next big adventure. The impact he’s made is anything but fleeting; it’s like a perfectly plated dish—subtle yet profound.
Beyond his immediate duties, Isaac is always the first to step up. His willingness to help his coworkers, to never say no, is something you don't often see. He simply embodies a spirit of genuine teamwork. This extends beyond the kitchen, too. I invited him to my son Gael's 7th birthday party, mentioning I might have some carne asada grilling. Last minute, we changed our minds about the grilling because i got lazy. It was a bit embarrassing on my part, not getting the word to him, but the vato still showed up with a homemade salsa verde! That small gesture, despite the miscommunication, spoke volumes about his thoughtful and generous nature.
In a world drowning in noise, in the endless scroll of social media, Isaac stands out. He's not caught up in the clamor of his generation. Instead, he embraces the genuine, the tactile, the simple pleasures: a skateboard, a camera, an unwavering sense of self. I saw this firsthand during a recent road trip to the 3rd Annual Mt. Diablo car show. Hand Isaac a camera, and he transforms. He doesn’t just take pictures; he sees stories. He captures moments that resonate. When I asked him about his post-graduation plans, his answer was delivered with a clarity and conviction you rarely hear from someone his age: culinary school. Not just any culinary school, but a two-year program, akin to the renowned culinary arts track at CCA.
But Isaac's world isn't just about the sizzle of a pan or the click of a shutter. He's a fiercely dedicated soccer player, pouring his heart into every game. And don't let his calm demeanor fool you; this "firme vato" approaches the Call of Duty virtual battlefield with the same intense focus he brings to the soccer field. This intriguing blend of athleticism, artistry, and digital prowess hints at a culinary future that's absolutely glowing with potential.
Perhaps it's my overprotective side, knowing the adversities his family, including my sister, has faced. But witnessing Isaac's calm demeanor and steady growth, especially after enduring challenging times, is truly inspiring. He hasn't allowed life to jade him; instead, he remains singularly focused on his goals, a testament to his incredible resilience.
Isaac’s story is just beginning to unfold, and honestly, I'm bursting with pride and excitement to see where it leads. If there’s one thing Isaac reminds me of, it’s that true success isn't about chasing the loudest trends or the most expensive tools; it's about cultivating inner calm, helping those around you, and relentlessly pursuing what genuinely ignites your spirit. As he embarks on culinary school, he exemplifies the kind of focused passion we all aspire to. We’ll be here, eagerly anticipating his next promising chapter.
Isaac at the Diablo Valley car show.
