An Inspired Chat with Jimmy Matiz of LA and Orange County

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Jimmy Matiz. Check out our conversation below.

Hi Jimmy, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A normal day for me doesn’t really feel “normal,” and that’s exactly what I love about it. Some mornings start with emails and client details, others with a strong coffee and a notebook where I jot down new menu ideas or plating sketches. Afternoons might take me to a local market or on a call with a specialty purveyor, then back into the kitchen to test a dish or refine a sauce until it feels right. On service days the rhythm shifts completely, it becomes all about focus, timing, and creating an experience that feels effortless for my clients. Outside the kitchen I recharge with things that keep me grounded and inspired, like playing guitar, riding my motorcycle, or training at the gym. It is a lot of different hats to wear, but the mix of creativity, business, and personal passions is what keeps me sharp and excited about what I do.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Jimmy Matiz and I am the chef and founder of Matiz Cuisine, a private dining company based in Los Angeles. What makes Matiz special is the way we bring a restaurant-quality experience into people’s homes, complete with tasting menus, wine pairings, and professional service. I started this brand because I saw how much more personal and impactful dining could be when it is tailored to an intimate setting rather than a busy restaurant floor. For me it is about more than the food, it is about creating moments that feel luxurious, thoughtful, and effortless for my clients. Along the way I’ve had the chance to cook for incredible families, celebrate milestones like birthdays and anniversaries, and even create menus for private jet drop-offs. Right now I am also exploring collaborations with luxury brands and building new experiences that bring Spanish flavors and techniques into a modern setting. At the core of it all, Matiz Cuisine is about passion, creativity, and making people feel taken care of in a way they will always remember.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My earliest memory of feeling powerful was the first time I cooked a full meal for my family as a kid. It wasn’t anything fancy, but I remember how everyone gathered around, ate what I made, and genuinely enjoyed it. In that moment I realized that food has the ability to change the energy in a room and bring people together. That feeling stuck with me. It showed me that even at a young age I could create something with my own hands that made people happy, and that sense of impact has driven me ever since.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me things that success never could. When you are in those hard moments, like a dish not working, an event falling apart, or the stress of trying to keep a business alive, you have no choice but to adapt. It forces you to be patient, to get creative, and to keep going even when you feel like quitting. Success feels amazing, but it can fool you into thinking the ride will always be easy. Struggle humbles you, it grounds you, and it gives you the grit to push through. That grit is what makes the wins later on actually mean something.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
I’d say the public version of me is a part of the real me, but not the whole picture. When I’m cooking for clients or presenting Matiz Cuisine, people see the polished side — the plates, the service, the curated experience. That is real, because I put my heart into it, but there’s also the behind-the-scenes version: the long hours, the mistakes, the stress, and also the personal passions that keep me balanced, like music, motorcycles, or just spending time with family. Both sides are me, I just choose which one to put forward depending on the moment.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
If I knew I had 10 years left, I would stop wasting time on things that don’t move me forward or bring me joy. I’d stop overthinking small problems, stressing about perfect systems, or saying yes to things that don’t align with who I am. I would spend more of my energy creating, sharing meals with people I love, traveling, and building memories. The little stuff we all get caught up in just wouldn’t matter anymore.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.matizcuisine.com
• Instagram: matizcuisine / chefmatiz
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/matiz-cuisine-long-beach-2

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