Michelin-starred Pedro Almeida and cult carnitas chef Lauro Romero are ditching preconceived notions from kitchen hierarchy to snobby vibe. Mexican chef Lauro Romero, mastermind of Northeast underground restaurant Clandestino, will soon have a new address: the 35-story Ritz Carlton Portland, slated to open late summer in downtown.

A recent Q&A interview with Romero and Almeida revealed two smart, passionate food thinkers ready to surprise us with fresh modern cooking and local ingredients.

While everyone I know is eyeing a move to Portugal, Almeida just moved here—permanently. Before Clandestino, Romero helmed Portland’s Mexican-forward restaurant República. At the Ritz-Carlton’s Sintra outpost, Almeida oversaw three separate restaurants that earned a Michelin star.