Christian Irabién is a renowned chef with a multicultural background, having been born and raised in both Mexico and the United States. His culinary approach and passion for hospitality stem from the rich traditions of his family, which span the coastal and southern regions of Mexico including the northern border withTexas, as well as the Basque country bordering Spain and France. His culinary journey led him through a myriad of prestigious kitchens, including the renowned Oyamel by Chef Jose Andres, a Mexican restaurant nestled in the vibrant heart of Washington, D.C.

Christian Irabién is the visionary founder of Amparo Fondita, a remarkable restaurant that embraces local, seasonal ingredients and showcases the finest Mexican products. Amparo Fondita's culinary offerings serve as a unique representation of contemporary Mexican cuisine, with a particular emphasis on the flavors and influences of the country's coastal regions.

With a commitment to quality, Amparo Fondita crafts dishes that celebrate the vibrant and diverse culinary traditions found throughout Mexico. Chef Christian's meticulous attention to detail and passion for showcasing the rich tapestry of Mexican flavors are evident in every bite.

Prior to launching Amparo, Christian was the founder and Executive Chef of Muchas Gracias!, a Mexican-inspired pop-up restaurant in Washington, DC - created in the midst of the pandemic - aiming to support immigrant workers during this difficult time. This noble effort earned him the prestigious 2020 "Keepers of the American Dream" award from the National Immigration Forum, as well as the "Rising Culinary Star" award in 2022 from the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington, among other notable accolades.

Christian is a passionate advocate for social good, dedicating his efforts to numerous initiatives that bring about positive change. As the founder of Hospitality Humans, a non-profit organization, he focuses on empowering immigrants, with a particular emphasis on the Latino community. Through this remarkable venture, Christian helps individuals enhance their communication skills, develop self-advocacy, and gain valuable vocational training, ultimately facilitating their career placement. Additionally, Hospitality Humans collaborates with leadership and management within the hospitality industry, striving to create improved working conditions for employees. By fostering partnerships and offering mutual coaching, Christian's organization not only benefits immigrant workers but also supports the growth and success of business leaders, leading to mutually advantageous outcomes.

In addition to his impactful work with Hospitality Humans, Christian holds the esteemed role of co-founder and vice chair at the Latino Executive Network (LEN). This exclusive network brings together a community of exceptional Latino professionals, offering a meticulously curated and certified platform for connecting with high-quality Latino businesses. Through LEN, Christian plays a pivotal role in fostering meaningful connections and facilitating opportunities that benefit both entrepreneurs and consumers alike. His dedication to promoting excellence within the Latino business community is evident in his commitment to providing a trusted network that delivers top-notch services and supports the growth and success of Latino-owned businesses.

Christian is also recognized as a Diplomatic Culinary Ambassador through the Office of Protocol of the United States Department of State in partnership with the James Beard Foundation. In this role, he employs food, hospitality, and the dining experience as powerful diplomatic tools, fostering cultural exchange, and strengthening relationships with foreign dignitaries and civil society. 

Beyond his culinary expertise, Chef Christian's journey extends far beyond the kitchen. He played a pivotal role in creating and implementing a culinary education program for La Cocina VA, a non-profit organization based in Arlington. This program aims to develop hospitality skills within the low-income Latin American immigrant community in the United States.

With his diverse background, commitment to social causes, and exceptional culinary skills, Chef Christian Irabien continues to leave a lasting impact on the culinary world and beyond.