Chef Natalia Machado Brings Heart to Gusto’s Holiday Kitchen

From Argentina to New York, Montreal, and beyond, Chef Natalia Machado has built a career defined by passion and pride in her roots. Known for her warmth, authenticity, and soulful approach to food, Natalia brings a deep sense of culture and connection to everything she creates. Most recently, she brings her signature Latin flair to Gusto’s Holiday Kitchen — a festive new series filled with flavor, family, and heart.

What inspired you to become a chef?

Natalia Machado: It actually happened by chance. I was in medical school when I decided to take a short cooking course for fun, just to learn something new. But I instantly fell in love with it. By the end of my first year, I had the chance to do a stage in a restaurant, and after that week, I realized I didn’t want to do anything else. That experience changed everything for me.

You’ve cooked all around the world, from Argentina to North America. How have those experiences shaped the food you create today?

NM: My career has taken me to Argentina, New York, Montreal, and even Spain, Dubai, and Mexico. Every place taught me something new. Living abroad made me realize that Argentinian and Latin American cuisines weren’t as represented as they deserved to be, and that gave me a voice. I started digging into my own traditions and bringing them to life through what I’d learned in classical kitchens. Over time, I understood that cuisine comes from the heart — it doesn’t matter where you are. If you cook with authenticity, you can connect with anyone.

Gusto’s Holiday Kitchen is all about festive flavors and bringing people together. What was your favorite part about filming the show?

NM: Everything! First, getting to celebrate Christmas in September was such a treat. My sister even joined me on set the last day, which made it really special. Working with the Gusto crew is always fun — they have these wild, creative ideas, and we just run with them. I also loved being able to film a whole show in Spanish — with a team that doesn’t even speak the language — and still have it translate into something so genuine. That means a lot to me.

What dish from Gusto’s Holiday Kitchen are you most excited to share with viewers?

NM: Definitely Vitel Toné — it’s so dear to me — and Matambre, which even though we made a Paraguayan-style version, is very close to Argentinian holiday traditions. And then there’s the Panettone-Style French Toast with Dulce de Leche — it’s not traditional, but it’s ours, and it’s perfect.

If you could invite any three guests — living or passed — to your holiday dinner, who would they be and what would you cook for them?

NM: Anthony Bourdain, for the stories. Julia Child, so she can cook with me. And my grandparents — because having them at the table again would mean everything. I think they’d all get along well.

Finally, what’s next for you? Any exciting projects or culinary adventures on the horizon?

NM: I’m focused on a big celebration at my restaurant — our 30th anniversary next year. It’s going to be a six-month project, and being part of such a milestone feels really special.

Through Gusto’s Holiday Kitchen, Chef Natalia Machado celebrates the flavors and stories that make the holidays special. From cherished family recipes to sweet moments of connection, she reminds us that the true joy of food lies in who we share it with.