Gerardo Antonio

Born and raised in Mexicali, Baja California, Chef Gerardo Antonio brings the traditions of Northern Baja and the coastal flavors of the peninsula together in his distinctive cuisine. Self-taught and inspired by his grandmother and his father, a lifelong cook of Filipino heritage, Gerardo continues to use a family carne asada marinade influenced by Filipino adobo ingredients and passed down since the 1970s.

His passion for Baja's waters began on his first fishing trip in 1987, at age 16. Decades spent fishing the Sea of Cortez and Pacific coast shaped his respect for fresh seafood and regional ingredients. After beginning his culinary journey in 1993 and operating a taco stand in Mexicali in 1996, he refined a style centered on quality proteins, simple preparation, and bold, balanced flavors that awaken the palate without overpowering the main ingredient.

In 2022, Gerardo committed to two goals: winning the Copa Baja California fishing championship and establishing his food business. His boat and team, Baja Catch 22, won the overall championship that October, becoming, according to tournament authorities, the first U.S.-based international team to do so. After a year of introducing his tacos at community events, he established Antonio's Baja Catch 22 LLC in December 2022 and launched the food truck in El Centro in 2023.

Since opening, Antonio's Baja Catch 22 has proudly used Brandt Beef exclusively, celebrating premium beef raised approximately ten miles from the business and the agricultural heritage of the Imperial Valley. Invited by Brandt Beef to join its Brandt Beef Experience at the 2026 San Diego Food + Wine Festival, Gerardo is excited to showcase the intersection of homegrown beef, family tradition, and Baja-inspired creativity. He is now preparing to open a full-service restaurant in El Centro, anticipated in December 2026.

Selected recognition: 2009 & 2010 | First Place, Fish Taco - El Grito de Independencia Taco Cook-Off; 2025 & 2026 | Back-to-back Taco King Champion (Carne Asada Taco) - Imperial Valley Taco Fest; 2025 | Salsa Competition Winner - Imperial Valley Taco Fest; 2026 | Second Place, People’s Choice - Cocina La Baja, Ensenada; 2026 | First Place, People’s Choice - Valle de Guadalupe Wine & Grill.

“We Bring Baja to Cali.”