Chefs are the heart of neighborhood restaurants, and Chef Joseph Guzman, is eager to get back in his kitchen. Like many other industries, the restaurant industry has been hit hard by COVID-19 and Chef Guzman’s restaurant’s opening as part of the new Barfield Autograph Collection Hotel in Amarillo, TX has been delayed due to COVID-19.

As much as Chef Guzman would like to get back to work, he is serious about doing his part to flatten the curve by social distancing. “As humans, we need to mind other humans and stay healthy,” Guzman said. Chef Guzman is keeping busy doing yard work, working on his hot rod and like the rest of us, trying to avoid bored eating. Instead, he is concentrating his talents on preparing wholesome meals and when asked what he finds to be most therapeutic during this time, his answer is unsurprisingly cooking. 

He has especially been enjoying cooking recipes calling for protein and fresh vegetables. Guzman believes nutrition plays into health during this time because food fuels, nourishes and aids the immune system. He and his fiance have transitioned away from starchy foods. Not only has he lost 7 pounds, but he feels more energized. 

Guzman encourages everyone to eat balanced meals in order to fuel their bodies properly but recognizes the cooking challenges families may face during this time. “It is challenging for families because parents don’t have a break from cooking every meal,” Guzman said. “As a chef, I like to cook but sometimes I simply don’t want to get my kitchen dirty, so that’s why I love grilling.” Grilling is a cooking method that allows Chef Guzman to cook without dirtying his kitchen. He recently created an easy-to-follow tutorial on how to grill the perfect steak.

For now, chef Guzman will continue to cook from home, practice social distancing and look forward to the day when he gets to cook in his restaurant’s kitchen and share his food with the community.