Carmen Ramirez Degollado

“Titita” as her friends call her, was born around 1940 in Xalapa, Veracruz, a place filled with the aroma of herbs, coffee, spices, corn and volcanic rock. It was at home where she learned how to cook for her family, getting involved in the vast cuisine of Veracruz. Later, when traveling through a prosperous and rich Mexico, she completely fell in love with traditional Mexican cuisine. Although she never thought of dedicating herself professionally to cooking, it was thanks to her husband Raúl and his friends that she decided to take her culinary sensibility to a restaurant in 1972, opening “El Bajío” in Cuitláhuac, Mexico City, a family dream.

Carmen “Titita” is an internationally acclaimed chef, ambassador of delicious Mexican flavors, promoter of customs around Mexican family dining rooms and a faithful spokesperson for culinary culture in Mexico. She focuses her activities on preserving the authentic Mexican cuisine flavor for the future generations.

Sebastian Ramirez Degollado

Sebastian’s hospitality journey began at the Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne in Switzerland. With a solid foundation, Sebastian polished his skills during his tenure at El Bajío, where he collaborated across departments, dedicating himself to enhancing the guest experience.

Several years later, Sebastian partnered with his brother Santiago to establish Casa Carmen, a tribute to their grandmother. Sebastian meticulously oversaw every aspect from conceptualization to launch. Collaborating closely with our chef and manager, he remains committed to the pursuit of an exemplary and warm guest experience.

Santiago Ramirez Degollado

In pursuit of his day job as a financial broker, Santiago relocated to New York City. Inspired by his grandmother’s unwavering determination and his father’s entrepreneurial spirit, Santiago approached his brother, Sebastian, with a proposition: to join forces and establish Casa Carmen in New York City.

Serving as the financial mastermind behind Casa Carmen, Santiago not only manages the financial aspects but also oversees the bar program. Together, they take immense pride and gratitude in sharing their grandmother’s authentic cuisine with an international and discerning audience.

Ivan Gonzalez, Chef

Hailing from Atlixco, Puebla, Ivan began his culinary journey in New York at the age of 16, initially undertaking humble tasks and gradually ascending to the esteemed role of Chef. His diverse journey includes valuable experiences at establishments such as Rosa Mexicano, The Standard Hotel, Landmarc and Dos Caminos.

However, it was at Casa Carmen where Ivan discovered a true culinary home. In embracing his role, Ivan takes immense joy in contributing to Casa Carmen’s culinary narrative, crafting an enchanting atmosphere that ensures guests not only feel at home but also captivated by the culinary journey.

Luis Garcia, Manager

Boasting an impressive 23-year tenure in the hospitality industry, Luis García has assumed diverse roles, directing dining rooms across various city locales. His journey with the Casa Carmen project has been nothing short of a love affair, captivated by its unique atmosphere, flavor, and unwavering commitment to quality.

Luis brings to the table a robust and stress-resistant work system, and his organizational acumen has transformed Casa Carmen into a distinguished establishment in New York City. Here, the customer takes center stage, serving as the cornerstone and primary goal for every team member.