LOS ANGELES - Traditional Mexican eats, that’s how it all started for Chef Fernando Villagomez. He knew nothing about cooking, but everything about carnitas.

"That was the only thing I knew how to do," said Chef Fernando.

Villagomez was born and raised in Mexico, where his love for tacos began. He learned the business from his family and actually opened his first spot in Canada. Back in the States, Villa Moreliana was born.

A classic meat and tortilla stand, Villa Moreliana uses every part of the animal and has gained a huge fan base.

"When you do something you love and you enjoy what you do, that’s the success right there," said Chef Fernando.

He also says the success comes from keeping it traditional and in-line with how you would find tacos in Mexico. The success of Villa Moreliana led him to open two more spots at Grand Central Market in downtown Los Angeles.

His newest venture, La Fruteria, pays homage to the healthy lifestyle of L.A. Chef Fernando brought Mexican street fruit to a new audience. He says now that he is a father he understands wanting healthier options.

"Instead of buying them candy, I want to buy for my kid some fruit," said Chef Fernando.

If you're looking for a taste of the sea, try his other spot at the market, La Tostadaria. Chef Fernando opened it after he received his formal culinary training.

"Creating new recipes with the same Mexican flavor profiles, just upgrading the produce our fish our seafood," said Chef Fernando.

He took his new skills and combined them with his Mexican culture to make seafood tostadas and tacos. Chef Fernando says he learned a lot by opening three businesses in one location. But he says it’s a risk that paid off.

"There’s that energy that says you can fail or you can succeed but you need to go," said Chef Fernando.

Go on over to Grand Central Market for a meat taco, a seafood tostada, and some fruit for dessert from Chef Fernando.

Grand Central Market

317 S Broadway St.

Los Angeles, CA 90013