MGM National Harbor announced Thursday that Chef Alexis Samayoa will helm its upcoming restaurant, Diablo’s Cantina, slated to open this summer. After spearheading some of the D.C. region’s most notable Latin restaurants, Samayoa is ready to leave his mark at the destination resort.
Photo courtesy of MGM National Harbor
Chef Alexis Samayoa will helm Diablo’s Cantina at MGM National Harbor.
“It’s been an honor to be a part of the expansion of Latin cuisine throughout the DMV,” said Samayoa, in a news release from MGM. “I’m excited to now continue that journey with Diablo’s, sharing my vision and passion for the cuisine that’s shaped so much of my life.”
Recently named “One of the Best Mexican Restaurants in Las Vegas” by Thrillist, Diablo’s Cantina will open its first East Coast location at MGM National Harbor with a robust menu featuring vibrant Mexican fare inspired by the classic cuisine of Mexico.
About Chef Alexis Samayoa
Prior to Diablo’s Cantina, Alexis was the corporate chef of Latin Concepts at Street Guys Hospitality where he spearheaded the menu development of multiple concepts in Maryland and Virginia.
Alexis relocated to Washington D.C. in 2015 to serve as the opening executive chef of Espita Mezcaleria. In 2017, he was named one of three corporate chefs at Mike Isabella Concepts during the brand’s extensive expansion period in Washington D.C. before taking on the role of executive chef of RJS companies. Here, he oversaw the restaurant operations for TAKODA, a popular rooftop beer garden, and Cortez, a California-inspired drinking den known for its Tex-Mex snacks.
A native of Brooklyn, N.Y., Alexis began his culinary career working in some of Manhattan’s most renowned restaurants like WD-50, Txikito, Empellón Taqueria, and La Esquina, which was dubbed a speakeasy-meets-Mexican hideaway by InStyle Magazine.
For updates on Diablo’s Cantina, visit www.mgmnationalharbor.com.
