ESTEVAN GARCIA Obituary

LEGACY OF
CHEF ESTEVAN (STEVE) GARCIA
Estevan was born and raised in Santa Fe, one of eleven children, born to Esquipula and Andrea Rendon Garcia. He attended St. Francis, St. Michaels High School and College of Santa Fe and the Franciscan Monastery in Oldenburg, Indiana. His culinary career started at the age of 18 as Chef and owner of the original Guadalupe Cafe. Climbing the ladder in the restaurant world Steve moved to LA where he opened the iconic Saint Estephe, in Manhattan Beach. However, his dream was to return to his roots in Santa Fe. Chef and Owner of his final restaurant "Estevan's Restaurante". Estevan had a wonderful sense of humor, he would say I'm at the corner (El Rincon) at Hotel Chimayo. His nephew Dominic Garcia was instrumental in naming the Restaurant "El Rincon". Dominic enjoyed Estevan's humor.
Everyone knows Estevan as a famous and accomplished chef. I never saw him as a chef-to me, he was much, much more. Estevan was a genius, an artist at the highest level, and an inspiration. Food was his medium through which he was able to create and share. His uncanny ability to elevate daily New Mexican food was unmatched. He had the ability to keep the traditions of our ancestors alive and blend it with modern beauty for all of us to enjoy and experience on a plate.
Yet, this wasn't his greatest accomplishment. To me, Estevan was a shining example of a life well-lived. At a young age, Estevan was most blessed to find his calling and his life's mission. It all started in the kitchen with our mother learning his craft and share his love.
It was this combination, devotion to his craft and sharing his love that truly elevated his creations. He worked hard to provide the perfect meal and share it with all.
This is what made Estevan great and inspiring. Every day he did what he loved. Every day lived his purpose. Every day he perfected his craft. Every day he shared his creations and love with others. Every day, he made life a little better. He lived every day as if it was his last. And he did this to the end.
The results of living and doing what you love every day-greatness. We all would be lucky to live a life like Estevan.
This is Estevan's Legacy. Do what you love, do it every day, and work to perfect it.
"On June 22, 2024 he flew on Eagle's Wings to meet our Creator." STEVE WE LOVE YOU!
(Today, Mark A. Lopez, Owner and nephew, welcomes you to Estevan's El Rincon Cafe).