Chef Gio Becomes a Padrino
A Family Moment at Uptown & Humboldt
Chef Gio was recently asked to be the padrino—the godfather—of baby Alahia, daughter of Ana and Gregory. Ana is a full-time member of the Uptown & Humboldt team and a close friend; Gregory has worked with the crew in the past.
When Gio describes the moment they asked him, he returns to a single word: surreal. It was a rush of excitement and responsibility all at once—almost like being told he would become a parent himself. From that first conversation, he felt grounded, reverent, and instantly protective of Alahia. That mix—joy, duty, and love—has stayed with him.
What Being a Godfather Means to Chef Gio
For Gio, being a godfather means showing up in every way: physical, emotional, and spiritual. He’s candid about his own childhood, which had its tough chapters, and says stepping into this role feels like healing some of that inner child by becoming the steady presence he once needed.
In the context of Uptown & Humboldt, he sees it as proof that the company’s values are real—family, care, trust—manifesting beyond the kitchen and timecards. A teammate became a friend, and that friendship has now been bound by something bigger than work. Whether someone is with U&H for a day, a season, or a decade, the goal remains the same: build a place that’s healthy, growth-oriented, and humane.
A Favorite Memory with Ana
When asked about a favorite memory with Ana, Gio doesn’t hesitate. He talks about her courage since moving from Peru at such a young age, noting how much resilience she’s shown along the way. One moment in particular stands out: when she left a difficult roommate situation and secured her own apartment at just twenty years old.
He remembers the news from their Mercury Café days—how proud he felt as both a friend and a boss. It was a clear “level-up” moment, one of those milestones that sticks in your memory, and it made this padrino chapter feel even more meaningful.
Lessons for Baby Alahia
Looking ahead, Gio hopes to share a lesson with Alahia that’s been his own anchor: It does get better. He repeats it like a mantra. Cuts heal. Heavy seasons pass. Even joy evolves into deeper joy. That’s what he wants her to trust when life gets loud—that she is always moving toward brighter days.
How Family Shapes Leadership in the Kitchen
This season of celebrating family and community has even shifted the way Gio cooks and leads. He says it’s made him both sharper and calmer. He’s hungry to keep improving his craft and the business because “she’ll be watching,” and he wants to make her proud.
But it’s also slowed him down in the best way. Hospitality can often feel like constant high-alert. Now he takes the extra breath, remembers that not every moment is a crisis, and makes decisions from peace rather than pressure. The result? A stronger, steadier kitchen culture that mirrors the values he hopes to pass on as padrino.
One Word: Manifestation
If he had to choose one word for the whole experience, Gio calls it manifestation. Years of saying U&H should feel like family, and years of doing the work to make it so, are showing up in real life: chef to friend, friend to padrino. It’s a line pointing toward the kind of leader—and the kind of company—he intends to build.
Final Thoughts
✨ Whether in the kitchen or as padrino, Chef Gio leads with love, care, and respect. If you’re planning your own family celebration, bring that same spirit to your table. Reach out today to inquire about U&H catering for your next gathering, because everything we serve is made with love.
