El Cholo
a.k.a Clayton Carnes
Who is El Cholo
Chef Clay Carnes is the culinary frontman behind the South Florida phenomenon, Cholo Soy Cocina.
Tucked along Antique Row in West Palm Beach since 2016, this joint is a wild ride through Latin American street food, served up with Clay's "kinda authentic" take on the flavors of South America.
Drawing inspiration from his days as chef in Ecuador, Clay's style is a shape-shifting, curveball-throwing triumph that refuses to be pinned down but is always held up with top-quality protein and fresh, local ingredients.
A Classic Education
Clay graduated from the French Culinary Institute in New York City
After he attended ALMA -- La Scoula Internazionale di Cucina Italiana in Colorno, Italy, where he honed his skills and developed a deep understanding of classic culinary traditions. His training was the foundation for his later endeavors and ability to elevate ingredients and recipes in mouth-watering ways.
South American Infusion
Clay’s journey took him to South America, where his love of Peruvian cooking took hold.
Clayton first traveled to Cuenca in 2007 and eventually lived there from 2009 to 2011, returning often because the place remains a source of inspiration. While working as executive chef at the boutique hotel Mansion Alcazar, he discovered flavors that only make sense when you are cooking and eating in Ecuador itself. The fresh fruits and the wide range of aji peppers shaped the way he understands balance and brightness. Although his earlier training took him through Italy and high-level Michelin kitchens, he never treats those experiences as separate. The careful techniques he learned there guide how he handles beef, fish, and every ingredient that goes into a taco, while his time in Ecuador reminds him to keep things honest, vivid, and full of life. Together, those influences define his approach at Cholo Soy Cocina.
Made for TV
Cholo Soy Cocina's talented chef possesses both exceptional cooking skills and a charismatic persona perfectly suited for television.
Viewers can feast their eyes on Cholo Soy's exciting feature on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, where the spotlight shines on Clays chef-inspired creations. Moreover, in the competitive celebrity chef arena, Cholo Soy's culinary master has clinched victory on Food Network's Cutthroat Kitchen Time Warp 2016, and on various other intense Food Network showdowns, leaving a lasting impression with each appearance.
Much More than a Chef
Clayton Carnes is not merely a well-known chef; he embodies the essence of a dedicated husband and father. What distinguishes him is his authentic vibrancy, transparency, and deep commitment to the community, all of which shine through in every dish meticulously prepared by him and his team. He consistently deflects the spotlight, always acknowledging those around him before claiming any credit for himself.