Chef Rick Martínez and Local Kitchens Bring Sonoran-Inspired Flavors to Northern California

Source: Local Kitchens

Reported By: Matthew Kennedy

Local Kitchens, California’s fast-casual culinary collective known for partnering with acclaimed chefs, is expanding the reach of its Sonoran-inspired menu co-created with celebrated Mexican-American chef and cookbook author Rick Martínez. Launching August 19, the collection of tacos, burritos, caramelos, rice plates, and housemade horchata will now be available at all Northern California locations, after its successful debut at Local Kitchens’ first Los Angeles-area restaurant in Studio City.

Martínez—whose cookbooks Mi Cocina and Salsa Daddy have cemented his place as a leading voice in Mexican cuisine—crafted the menu as a personal homage to the flavors and traditions of Sonora. Drawing from culinary travels and heritage techniques, he pairs flame-charred flour tortillas with richly seasoned meats, bright housemade salsas, and heritage ingredients like chiltepin chiles sourced directly from Mexico.

Among the highlights is the Carne Asada Taco, where marbled beef is paired with smoky pecan salsa macha and salsa verde cruda, all wrapped in a locally sourced flour tortilla from California-based tortilleria Mejorado. Each dish, Martínez says, aims to “celebrate the soul of Mexican cooking with honesty, pride, and a little bit of chile-laced chaos.”

This menu joins Local Kitchens’ roster of distinctive chef collaborations, which include Oklahoma Onion Burgers from Chef Alvin Cailan, Saigon-inspired Broken Rice Plates from Chef Tuệ Nguyễn, California-style fried chicken from Chef Ari Feingold, and Mediterranean pitas and plates from Chef Einat Admony.

The menu rollout sets the stage for another milestone: the September 24 opening of Local Kitchens Burlingame, the brand’s 13th location and second to showcase its enhanced in-store experience. The refreshed design brings café-style seating, communal tables, and curated décor featuring cookbooks, photos, and artifacts from chef partners. Staff are trained to share the stories behind each dish, turning a meal into an experience that connects guests with the people and traditions behind the flavors.

Located at 225 Lorton Ave, #3, the Burlingame restaurant will also spotlight the Sonoran-inspired menu, available exclusively through direct orders placed in-store, via the Local Kitchens website, or through the app. Unlike the brand’s other offerings, it will not be available through third-party delivery services.