39| Gabe Erales Gets a Haircut: From Top Chef to Changemaker—The Fire Behind OÍDO

Gabe Erales is more than a Top Chef winner—he’s a culinary storyteller, an advocate for cultural preservation, and a chef whose roots run deep in the Yucatán. In this candid conversation, Gabe opens up about his unexpected journey from engineering student to world-class chef, and why cooking became a form of both identity and impact. From memories of Chico’s Tacos in El Paso to working in the kitchens of Copenhagen, Gabe shares the pivotal experiences that shaped his approach to food, culture, and community.We explore the myth of the “chef life,” the shifting realities of work-life balance in the culinary world, and what it truly means to give back. Gabe also shares his new role as executive director of OÍDO, a nonprofit that supports youth in the Yucatán through culinary education and mentorship. Plus, we talk about roast chickens, mezcal, Michelin stars, and why the right cut of meat—and hair—can change your day.Welcome to Splitting Hairs with Tab Salsman, the live video podcast where captivating conversations happen behind the chair. As a master hairstylist, Tab combines his passion for cutting hair with his love for deep, thought-provoking discussions. Step into a one-of-a-kind experience as Tab chats with fascinating guests while giving them a haircut, creating a relaxed and intimate setting for candid conversations. With no topic off limits, we dive deep into the hairdressing experience and beyond, exploring the stories, struggles, and triumphs that make us who we are.Gabe Erales and his restaurants IG: https://www.instagram.com/g_erales/Ometeo Tex MexIG: https://www.instagram.com/ometeotexmex/For more information on how you can get involved and help with OÍDOhttps://www.oido.coIG :https://www.instagram.com/oido.co/