We had the good fortune of connecting with Daniel Leal and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Daniel, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
In the industry I’m in, every cook or chef dreams of opening their own spot(restaurant). Only a small percentage of them actually do open their own spot(restaurant). So knowing that, I wanted to make sure that I was part of that small percentage.


Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m the Chef and Owner of A Comer Food Trailer and Catering. What sets me a part from others is my Tacos, I have a very unique unorthodox style of making tacos. I use ingredients from different cultures because we live in a multicultural city I want to make sure that I’m able to give everyone some kind of comfortable connection with my food. As far as how I got to where I am today, that wasn’t easy. I missed many birthdays and family events, but I just tell myself that if I keep working hard it will all pay off. I’ve also learned that I need to make time for myself and rest, so I don’t burn myself out. Mental health is a very serious and important illness in the industry I cook.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First I would take them to each at Weights and Measures for their Carrot Pizza and the Short Rib sandwich. Then we would have ice cream at Fat Cat creamery, my favorite is the Mexican Vanilla. Afterwards we would go grab Drink at Johnny’s Gold Brick or at Night Shift which opens this summer. Then we would finally make the final stop at 93til for the laid back hiphop vibes and incredible food they serve. Houston has so many great hidden gems.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My Wife Christina, for always motivating me and always being honest with me. I thank God every day for blessing me with such an incredible wife who I can’t imagine my life without. I also want to thank my parents Juan y Odilia for never giving up on me, for always making sure we had a roof over our heads, food on the table and making sure we had everything we needed. My nieces and nephews, my sister Jessica, my Brothers Juan and Christian, for always coming out to support me and my dream no matter what the situation may be. Alan Bergeron for always treating me and my siblings like his own kids and always being there for our family specially in the toughest moments. I want to shoutout and thank my mentor Chef Fernando Rios for always giving me the best advice in the kitchen and outside the kitchen, Benjy Mason for giving me an opportunity to help my business grow and also always treating me like family. Also I want to send a shout out to Justin and Patrick, for believing in my cooking and bringing me on to the project that’s about to open this summer.

Instagram: @dannygoodchef @acomer_tacos @tonightsspecialpod

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/acomertacos/

Other: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tonights-special/id1478659646

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