Today we’d like to introduce you to Saúl Arteta
Hi Saúl, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I guess my journey started long before I ever thought of becoming a chef. Growing up in Valencia,Spain, food was always at the heart of everything. I’ve got these vivid memories of making paella with my family every weekend, and even back then, I realized food was so much more than just a meal—it was a way to connect, to share something personal. It’s always been an expression of who I am.
While I was studying my Major in Economics at college, I moved to Bruxelles (Belgium) and France where I started working in the restaurant industry. There I became in touch with the world of European culinary arts and I began to appreciate how important the fundamentals are—precision, technique, and the beauty of simple ingredients. But the more I traveled, the more I learned that cooking isn’t just about following rules. In Thailand, I discovered how bold flavors and spices could completely transform a dish. It opened my eyes to the endless possibilities in cooking and how it really is a universal language.
All this knowledge and experiences I gathered over my trips to different countries truly came to life when I came back to my hometown and started working at the Culinary School of Valencia, where I had the privilege of specializing in the art of Paella, marking the beginning of a 20-year passion for perfecting this iconic dish. During this time at the Culinary School of Valencia, I not only refined my own skills but also began training others, sharing the passion and techniques of Paella with aspiring chefs. This experience inspired me, years later, when I moved to Austin, to pass on the tradition by teaching local chefs the authentic art of Paella.
While cooking became my main focus, I’ve always had other creative outlets. Music has been just as important to me—I’m a guitar player, a sound engineer and a producer.I also love to draw and create art. To me, it’s all connected. I approach food the same way I approach music or art. It’s about creativity, but it’s also about connection. When I’m cooking, I’m telling a story, sharing a piece of myself with whoever is at the table.
I’ve been in Austin for 13 years now, and it’s been an incredible place to grow. I arrived here to live a life changing experience. After completing my MBA in Marketing and Sales Management in Spain I felt a deep calling to explore new horizons and embrace fresh opportunities. Moving to Austin was a bold leap, driven by my desire to discover new worlds, learn from a vibrant community, and open myself up to experiences that would challenge and inspire me in ways I never imagined. The city really encourages you to push boundaries and blend different influences. I’ve been able to take the traditional Spanish dishes I grew up with and infuse them with everything I’ve learned along the way. For me, cooking isn’t just about technique or ingredients—it’s about kindness, about sharing an experience, and putting a piece of my soul and a smile into each dish.
Looking back, it’s been an amazing, unpredictable journey. I’ve had the chance to explore different cultures, and each one has shaped who I am as a chef, a musician and mainly, a human being. And I’m excited to keep growing, to keep creating, and to keep connecting with people through the things I love most—food, music, and art.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road definitely hasn’t been smooth, but I think the bumps along the way have helped shape who I am today. Moving to a new country and starting fresh is always a mix of exciting opportunities and tough sacrifices.
There’s so much beauty in discovering new places and cultures, but you also miss your family, your friends, and the familiarity of home. Every time I think about Valencia, there’s a piece of me that wishes I could be there with the people I love. But I’ve learned to take that longing and turn it into something positive, using it to fuel my passion in the kitchen.
When I started my own business, it was a huge leap of faith. I had to decide whether I wanted to keep playing it safe with a steady job or take the risk of pursuing my dream. It wasn’t an easy choice wondering if I was making the right move. But I’m glad I took the chance. You know, sometimes the risk is what makes the rewards feel that much sweeter.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My business is called Mi Paella Specialty Catering, and it’s all about bringing a taste of my hometown, Valencia, to Texas through the beloved dish of paella. We specialize in offering private chef services, cooking paella for all kinds of events, whether it’s a wedding, corporate gathering, or a birthday celebration. Paella is so much more than just a dish to me—it’s a way to connect with others and share a piece of my culture.
What sets us apart is that I’m the only chef in Austin who’s actually from Valencia, Spain, where paella was born.
I think that brings a unique authenticity to what we do. I’m proud to share my origins with the people of Texas and to introduce them to this dish that’s so personal to me. It’s my way of connecting both my past and present, blending the Mediterranean flavors of my childhood with the vibrant, diverse food culture of Austin.
Everything we do is made fresh, from scratch, right on site. We bring our large paella pans, and we cook the dish in front of our clients, so they can watch the magic happen. It’s not just about the food—it’s about the experience. We take pride in using the best ingredients, and we source some of the best Spanish products available. My wife Aranza is from Valencia, Spain too. It’s important to us to honor the quality and tradition of the dish, while also making it accessible for people here in Texas.
What I’m most proud of is the way we’ve been able to share this very personal part of my heritage with people who might never have experienced it before. Paella is a true celebration of community and togetherness, and I love seeing how it brings people together, whether it’s around a dinner table or at a special event. Our brand is all about creating those moments of connection and joy, one paella at a time.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I’m really excited about the future of the culinary world, especially when it comes to how people are engaging with food. In the next 5-10 years, I see a big shift toward even more meaningful connections around the table.
People are looking for experiences, not just meals. They want to understand where their food comes from, how it’s prepared, and who’s preparing it. I think this trend toward transparency and authenticity is going to continue growing, and I’m all for it. I see the connection between culture and food becoming even more important, especially as people explore new flavors and culinary traditions from around the world.
In my world, Paella is such a personal, cultural dish, and I think there’s a real hunger for that kind of authentic storytelling in food. It’s not just about cooking; it’s about sharing your heritage and your journey with others. I see more chefs focusing on that, finding ways to make food more personal and immersive—whether it’s through private chef experiences like mine, or through pop-ups and unique collaborations.
In terms of trends, sustainability and local sourcing are going to continue to play a huge role. People are becoming more conscious about how food is grown, sourced, and prepared, and they want to support businesses that align with those values. I think we’re going to see more emphasis on sourcing locally, reducing waste, and focusing on the quality of ingredients rather than mass production.
That’s something I’m really proud of—using the best local ingredients, but also importing specialty items from Spain to keep that authenticity.
The way we share meals is also evolving, with more focus on intimate, interactive dining experiences. I think catering will keep leaning into more personalized, hands-on events where guests can be a part of the cooking process, like watching a paella come together right before their eyes. It’s about creating moments, not just serving food.
Overall, I see a brighter future for the culinary world, one that embraces authenticity, creativity, and community. And I’m excited to be a part of it, helping to shape the conversation around food and culture in my own small way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://localcatereraustin.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mipaellaspecialtycatering/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mipaellaspecialty
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mipaellaspecialtycatering
Image Credits
Saul Arteta
