Transformed a Mongolian BBQ restaurant into a Baja-style seafood establishment - combating cancer throughout the process
Sizzling Up Life: Chef Joshua Gil's Cancer Battle and Baja-Mongolian Fusion Restaurant
Pushing through health hardships, Joshua Gil, a resilient and tenacious chef, opened his extraordinary new restaurant – a fusion of Baja-inspired tacos, tostadas, and burgers with a twist of Mongolian barbecue – in the heart of a Westchester strip mall. Despite fighting Stage IV cancer, Gil refuses to give up, drawing strength from his Mexican roots and love for cooking.
Founding chef of various celebrated restaurants, including Tacos Punta Cabras in Santa Monica, Mírame in Beverly Hills, and Mírate in Los Feliz, Gil has cemented himself as a prominent figure in Alta California cooking. His latest venture, named Three Flames, offers a fresh take on Mexican cuisine alongside the classic Mongolian barbecue.
"I'm a hard-headed [sonofabitch], and I tell people, 'I'm Mexican. I don't know how to give up.'" Gil quipped, reflecting his unyielding spirit.
Originally Three Flames was a much-loved, decades-old neighborhood spot known as Three Flames Mongolian BBQ. Gil and his team of chef-partners have transformed it, keeping the flattop grill and introducing a revamped Mongolian BBQ menu, along with Baja-inspired fried seafood tacos, loaded fries, and innovative tostadas.
Gil was first diagnosed with Stage II colorectal cancer in 2022. Despite this setback, he went on to open the renowned Mírate in Los Feliz and launched two restaurants in downtown's maze-like Level 8. He even ventured into the Italian dining scene with a new eatery in Rancho Cucamonga.
Asked about opening more restaurants amidst his cancer battle, Gil simply replied, "I love providing for people. What we do, we do it from our heart and soul. It's just love, and that's what I want to share."
Facing the Fire
Late 2024 and early 2025 were challenging for Gil. He underwent arduous antibiotic treatments, nearly leaving him on the brink of death, and completed chemotherapy rounds. Meanwhile, he grappled with a legal dispute with his former business partner Matthew Egan from Mírame and Mírate, battling conflict over contract fraud[5].
Amid all these challenges, Gil pressed on, eager to bring his latest project, Three Flames, to life. He handed over the kitchen helm to Anthony Rodriguez, a fellow chef who worked with him at Mírame and Mírate.
While his health issues and legal strife had taken a toll, Gil did not want these problems to overshadow his new venture, which debuted in February. He acknowledged, "There were people [who were] super surprised that I was even functioning."
Gil credits spirituality for playing a significant role in his life. He practices shamanic healings and finds fulfillment in providing nourishment during these ceremonies. His dream is to one day open a spiritual retreat, where food will play a pivotal role.
A New Kindle in the Kitchen
Three Flames has quickly become known for its unique dishes, with the albacore tostada being a popular item. Inspired by Gil's Sonora-raised grandmother, this tostada blends Mexican and Chinese flavors, featuring chicken with a sesame salsa, which Gil has reimagined for this dish.
The restaurant makes its tortillas fresh from the adjacent Maria's Tortillas, filling them with gluten-free tempura-fried scallops, shrimp, rock cod, or a blend of mushroom, seaweed, and cauliflower. A nod to the original restaurant's hibachi recipes, Gil's team has tweaked the ingredients and incorporated techniques from downtown's Maison Kasai[5].
The new Three Flames adds fresh yakisoba noodles to the Mongolian barbecue mix, offering vegetable-rich options along with shrimp dishes inspired by shrimp toast transformed into a burger patty.
L.A.'s Hot for Mongolian Barbecue
Some patrons have expressed disappointment about changes made to Three Flames, such as removing the refrigerator for selecting stir-fry vegetables, leading to confusion about the dining experience offered. However, Gil maintains that paying homage to Three Flames' heritage is essential while offering a fresh twist on the classic Mongolian grill[5].
Food
Sizzling Trends: Baja Meets Mongolian in L.A.
Whether whipping up innovative dishes at his new restaurant or battling cancer, there's no stopping chef Joshua Gil. And as Three Flames demonstrates, when it comes to fusion cuisine, Baja and Mongolian are an unbeatable combination.
Gil continues to inspire those around him with his unwavering spirit, showcasing a profound love for food and his community.
Three Flames is found at 5608 W. Manchester Ave., Los Angeles, and is open daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Further Reading
Contemporary Mexican Cuisine from renowned chefs in L.A.'s downtown scene
'Top Chef's' Mei Lin Refines Fine Dining Experience at 88 Club
Acclaimed Barbecue Legend Breaches Classic Diner Boundaries in Quonset Hut
- Joshua Gil, a chef from Los Angeles, opened a new restaurant named Three Flames, which offers a fusion of Baja-inspired dishes with a twist of Mongolian barbecue, located in a Westchester strip mall.
- Gil, despite battling Stage IV cancer, has become a prominent figure in Alta California cooking, having founded Tacos Punta Cabras in Santa Monica, Mírame in Beverly Hills, and Mírate in Los Feliz.
- Three Flames also offers an education-and-self-development experience, as Gil has a dream to one day open a spiritual retreat where food will play a vital role in providing nourishment during these ceremonies.
- The new Three Flames has integrated health-and-wellness aspects into its menu, with options like gluten-free tempura-fried seafood and vegetable-rich dishes, reflecting Gil's personal-growth journey.
- Gil's innovative take on Baja-Mongolian fusion has captivated the Los Angeles dining scene, proving that combining diverse culinary traditions can create a unique and satisfying dining experience.
