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Thompson Austin and tommie Austin are pleased to announce the appointment of Sergio Ledesma as executive chef of Arriba Abajo Rooftop Cantina, the hotels’ signature rooftop restaurant. Located on the fourth floor of Thompson Austin, just steps from the city’s famed Sixth Street, Arriba Abajo pairs sweeping views of the downtown skyline with vibrant Mexican cuisine inspired by the flavors of Oaxaca, Yucatán and Tulum.
Originally from Mexico, Ledesma brings a deep appreciation for Mexican culinary traditions, ingredients and hospitality to Arriba Abajo, shaped by a career spanning acclaimed restaurants and hotels. After studying at The Culinary Institute of America, he went on to serve as executive chef at La Central San Pedro, an upscale steakhouse in San Pedro Garza García, Mexico, before making his way to Austin, where he most recently led the culinary program at Hotel Van Zandt, a boutique hotel in the heart of downtown and home to the acclaimed restaurant Geraldine’s.
“Having spent the last several years in Austin, I’ve built a deep appreciation for this city and its incredible culinary community,” said Ledesma. “What excites me about Arriba Abajo is the opportunity to bring the flavors and traditions I grew up with in Mexico to our guests and share them in a way that feels genuine and approachable. I’m looking forward to working with the team, continuing to learn and creating a place where people can come together and enjoy great food.”
At Arriba Abajo, Ledesma will draw on his Mexican roots and years of culinary expertise to further shape the restaurant’s menu, emphasizing bold flavors, seasonal ingredients and thoughtful technique. Inspired by the family meals and food traditions of his childhood, his approach reflects a belief that great dining goes beyond the plate, bringing people together through food, storytelling and a shared sense of hospitality.
Ledesma also brings fresh energy to Arriba Abajo’s hidden mezcalería, También, with a reimagined take on its multisensory, multi-course tasting, Mezcal, También. Available exclusively on November 12 and 19, a new seven-course experience will celebrate Mexico’s culinary diversity, with each course highlighting the cuisine of one of the country’s seven regions. The program will continue with specialty holiday lineups throughout December before transitioning in 2027 to monthly rotating menus, each dedicated to the culinary traditions of a different Mexican region.
The post Texas-Based Hotel Thompson Austin Taps Sergio Ledesma to Lead Rooftop Restaurant appeared first on FSR magazine.