Chef Elvis Bencomo was born in Chihuahua, Mexico. Soon, he and his family immigrated to the United States in search of the American Dream. Growing up, Elvis enjoyed playing soccer with the AYSO (American Youth Soccer Organization), as well as varsity football with the Highland High School Hornets. After graduating from Highland, Elvis decided to further his education by majoring in architecture at CNM. While attending CNM, Elvis began working at a restaurant named Berry's Oasis. There he found his passion and moved on to work at other restaurants and
even switched his major to culinary arts. Absorbing as much as he could, other chefs saw his potential and his culinary arts instructor even said, "Elvis' seasoning and taste on food is the best I have had in the last 20 years" This was also around this time that he met and fell in love with his wife, Monica, while both were attending CNM. A final project in the Culinary Arts Department called for students to create a restaurant business plan including the name, location, investment needs - the whole deal! Upon completing this project, Elvis' dream was born. At age 23, he decided to open up his own restaurant never imagining a homework project would be a blueprint to actually realizing his dream, Pasión Latin Fusion, and never looked back. Wanting his restaurant to be a local spot in the community where families are always welcome, Pasión soon became known for their "mi casa es su casa" vibe. Since opening the doors of Pasión in 2011, Chef Elvis and his restaurant have received numerous recognitions: including "Top 5 Chefs of Albuquerque", "Best Fusion Restaurant", "Best New Restaurant" and "Best Kid Friendly Restaurant". Elvis has been seen numerous times on KOB TV, KASA Fox, Local IQ, Local Flavor, Albuquerque Journal and Alibi newspapers, and now the Food Network.
For food demos or booking information, please email
pasionabq@hotmail.com