Todd English

EXECUTIVE CHEF/PARTNER

The internationally-renowned chef was inspired to create MXDC Cocina Mexicana by his travels to Mexico. English's first restaurant job was at a small Mexican eatery during high school, where he grew to love the rich cuisine. Todd wants visitors to appreciate MXDC for their own favorite reason; whether it's for a ceviche, a shared plate of paella or the late-night vibe of the after-dinner crowd. 

Since opening his first restaurant in 1989, English has gone on to become a prolific restauranteur, chef, cookbook author, and television personality. His restaurants can be found everywhere, from Las Vegas to Dubai and many cities in between. MXDC on 14th Street marks more than 20 years of serving patrons in the Nation’s capital.

Noriyaki YASUTAke

master sushi chef

Sushi master Noriaki Yasutake has partnered with Chef Todd English to offer the sushi menu at MXDC. Chef Nori takes inspiration from Mexican flavors and spices to offer MXDC guests his first ever Mexican sushi rolls.

Chef Nori made his first hand roll at the age of 7 under the guidance of his father in Fukuoka, Japan. As a second generation sushi chef, he worked to hone his craft at his family restaurant.  At the age of 19 Chef Nori came to the United States to train and worked under some of the best sushi masters in the country. His awards include first place in the National Sushi Society of New York’s Annual Sushi Competition and first place for creativity in National Sushi Society’s National Sushi Competition here in DC at the Cherry Blossom Festival.

When asked what he learned by working with so many great sushi chefs, Chef Nori says “My father was my first mentor. For over two years I worked with Haruo Obu at the Waldorf-Astoria who taught me basic Japanese cooking. Hiroshi Nakahara of Bond St. taught me how to create dishes and how to be innovative, and Chef Morou’s ideas and techniques inspire me.” Chef Nori’s philosophy is cook from the heart, not from the hand.