Alkemē is Culture-to-Table dining with an innovative spirit. What does this mean?
Similar to the “Farm-to-Table” movement that recognizes knowing where your food comes from, Alkemē’s “Culture-to-Table” concept celebrates the culinary heritage rooted in the food we eat. Alkemē’s vision is to honor culinary roots by bringing to life ancestral recipes, stories, and memories of flavors combined with an innovative approach. For over a decade, Open Kitchen has created and curated original, unforgettable gatherings that celebrate joyful human connections.
Open Kitchen Chef-Owner Hue-Chan Karels and Executive Chef Erica Tai are excited to bring Santa Fe incredible flavors, crafted by passionate people, in space that inspires community. Hue-Chan’s visionary leadership supported by Chef Erica’s dedication forms a powerful dyad, bringing their reimagined heritage cuisine to the culinary scene.
Quý Khách
Good food is nourishment for both stomachs and souls. At Alkemē, we embrace the spirit of “Quý Khách” – a Vietnamese virtue that guides our service team and our kitchen to prioritize the well-being and happiness of our community members. We honor and cherish our guests; our commitment is to provide not just a meal but an experience that reflects the warmth, care, and dedication akin to the love and respect one shows to their family; it is our version of “hospitality” infusing it with values from our culture.
Our Philosphy
At Alkemē, our interpretation of “fine dining” is a transformative and liberating endeavor. Rooted in Asian values of respect and the honorable treatment of guests as cherished family members, Alkemē seeks to elevate the dining experience by crafting culinary masterpieces that pay homage to our rich heritage with meticulous attention to detail and exquisite presentation. At the heart of this philosophy is the emphasis on service, aiming to go beyond the mere provision of food. Alkemē strives to create an authentic and immersive dining experience where the sharing of stories and building connections are as essential as the exquisite dishes served.
Experience a harmonious blend of culinary excellence, cultural respect, and genuine hospitality.
Our Team
Hue Chan Karels
Chef-Owner
Hue-Chan Karels, Chef-Owner of Alkemē at Open Kitchen, has loved feeding people since her start as a pastry chef in her parents’ restaurant in Michigan. Later in life, her small artisan cookie business grew into Open Kitchen DC, a unique, multi-purpose kitchen and wine bistro. Over a decade later, a move to Santa Fe led to new and creative ways for Open Kitchen to build a bridge to cultural understanding and bring the community together for the common good.
Whether catering private events, providing Cooked + Delivered© meals during COVID, teaching culinary skills, leading culinary adventures, or supporting community events such as Pride Week and the Cancer Foundation of New Mexico, she has holds strong to the belief that magic happens when we gather to share a meal. After meeting Chef Erica as a student at the Santa Fe Community College Culinary program, she took her under her wing as her mentor and friend.
Now Chef Karels is excited to bring to the community, Alkemē, a Culture-to-Table restaurant that provides an innovative dining experience and pays homage to heritage cuisines by bringing to life ancestral recipes, stories, and memories of flavors.
Erica Tai
Executive Chef & General Manager
As a young chef originated from Taiwan, who’s lived in Hawaii and now New Mexico, Erica has been nourished by rich cultural landscapes and talented mentors. With a great passion in food and culinary arts, Erica has also achieved a Registered Dietitian License in 2020 and now pursuing a Master of Science in Nutrition at the University of New Mexico. Open Kitchen is proud to have this talented chef with expertise in nutrition and culinary arts to create delicious and healthy meals for our guests!
Erica has been named Edible Local Hero, Chef, Santa Fe 2024. This is an honor Chef Erica accredits to Hue-Chan’s mentorship and vision for Alkemē, and providing a space for her culinary and management skills can flourish. As well as the Santa Fe community, for always supporting her work as a Chef.
