Rogelio is one of the loveliest people I've worked with. He towers over the kitchen with a composure that's equal parts comical and completely sincere, and the warmth is real. I got to spend an afternoon with him and his team capturing the menu that earned Auro its Michelin star—the first and only star in Calistoga, held during his tenure.

That was a genuinely big moment for the Four Seasons Napa Valley, and it brought a wave of attention to a stunning property that deserves every bit of it. I'm grateful I got to document that kitchen at the height of its run, before Rogelio moved on to his next chapter in early 2026.