Chef Carlos Jurado

Chef & Restaurant Owner

Long Beach, CA

Chef Carlos Jurado is the owner and executive chef of Selva in Long Beach, California, a South American inspired restaurant that channels his roots and showcases his bold, flame-forward style. Born in Cali, Colombia, Jurado’s culinary journey has taken him from the streets of Long Beach to the kitchens of Border Grill, Vespertine, The Catbird Seat, and Husk… some of the most acclaimed restaurants in Los Angeles and Nashville. Along the way, he’s mastered every role in the kitchen, from dish washer, line cook to executive sous, working under icons like Thomas Keller, Susan Feniger, Mary Sue Milliken, and Sean Brock. 

Jurado’s past as a Long Beach skater kid with a punk rock streak gives him a cool, street-smart edge that instantly disarms people and helps him blend into any environment. Jurado’s diverse background, sharp instincts, and natural charisma make him an ideal undercover chef for One Star Sting. He’s fluent in Spanish and fluent in kitchen culture, effortlessly blending into any brigade, from dish pit to expo line, without raising suspicion. His years as a consultant trained him to spot inefficiencies in seconds, from a disorganized walk-in to a poorly run prep line, while his creativity and empathy allow him to connect with teams and understand where the deeper issues lie. A self-proclaimed “sneaky guy” Jurado admits he thrives in high-stakes, covert environments, adapting his posture, speech, and skill level to fit the task at hand.