(This article was written by Remi Gibbs and was featured in the January 2025 issue of Explore Harlingen Magazine.)
Nestled at the corner of N. Parkwood Dr. and 77/Sunshine Strip in Harlingen, Laurel Park Bistro (LPB) has become a haven for food enthusiasts seeking unique, fine-dining experiences. Under the leadership of Chef Diego Benitez and his manager, Julie Ng, this charming bistro has evolved from a simple coffee shop into a culinary gem, offering everything from elevated catering to private chef services.
Chef Diego Benitez: A Journey of Culinary Passion
Chef Diego Benitez’s journey to owning LPB began in an unexpected place: the kitchens of the Lantern Grill (now F&B) on South Padre Island. There, under the mentorship of Culinary Institute of America (CIA) graduate Chef Robert Goga, Diego discovered his passion for the fast-paced world of cooking. Though initially uncertain about pursuing a career as a chef, Diego fell in love with the kitchen's adrenaline, fire, yelling, and overall intensity.
Before committing fully to the culinary arts, Diego spent five years in the Navy as a Corpsman looking for adventure. Even then, his love for cooking persisted—he spent his free time experimenting with recipes and poring over cookbooks and food magazines. As the Navy chapter of his life ended, Diego was inspired by the rise of food shows that elevated the prestige of being a chef.
Diego’s formal training began at CIA’s San Antonio campus, where he completed a certificate program. He ultimately completed his bachelor's degree in Professional Studies in Culinary Arts Management in 2016 at the prestigious and highly competitive CIA in New York with a dream of owning a restaurant. Between school sessions and after completing his degree, he took his education internationally, staging (interning without pay) at various restaurants in Germany and France. He spoke passionately about his time at a pastry and chocolate shop and a vineyard where he became an expert in German wines. Immersed in Europe’s rich culinary culture, Diego fell in love with the vibrant markets, fresh produce, diverse flavors, and even the scent of the earth, which was so different than the U.S. He returned to Texas and spent some time in Dallas, mastering the precision of being a line cook—learning that timing is everything.
Ultimately, Chef Diego returned to his hometown of Harlingen with the desire to create something special. He wanted to share his passion for technical, classical cooking with the community he grew up in. He was presented with an opportunity to convert a family-owned building into a restaurant, and he took it.
From Coffee Shop to Fine Dining
LPB opened its doors in 2018 as a coffee shop offering fresh pastries, salads, and sandwiches. Over time, Chef Diego and his team experimented with different dining concepts to cater to Harlingen’s tastes, with brunch and fine dining dinners being the stars. In 2021, Julie Ng joined the team, bringing her warm personality and knack for hospitality to the bistro’s front-of-house.
Together, Diego and Julie discovered the space seemed to work best for private events, including fine-dining dinners and cooking classes. LPB can accommodate groups of 6 to 20, offering a personalized dining experience tailored to each client’s preferences and budget. They also offer elevated catering and private chef services. The bistro now opens primarily on a pop-up basis, though they usually have fresh croissants available (call to place an order), with event announcements shared via social media. Please call or check social media to see when they are open to the public.
The LPB Experience
Chef Diego’s culinary style ranges from fine dining to elevated fun and casual, with a focus on technical dishes like beef bourguignon, terrines, pâtés, and galantines. He takes pride in crafting menus that reflect his clients’ unique tastes while accommodating dietary restrictions and allergies. For those seeking an indulgent experience, Diego specializes in creating lavish menus featuring foie gras, truffles, caviar, and expertly paired wines.
Diego emphasizes that while being a chef isn’t always glamorous, it’s hard work. The reward lies in seeing a dish come together and the joy it brings to diners. As he puts it, “It takes determination, not just passion, to be a successful chef.”
What’s Next for LPB?
Chef Diego and Julie are eager to continue providing Harlingen with unparalleled dining experiences. They invite the community to share what kind of fine-dining experiences they’d like to see at LPB. This writer is all for a Spanish Tapas-style restaurant.
Whether you’re planning an intimate dinner party, a gourmet catering event, or a private chef experience, LPB is ready to make your culinary dreams a reality.
Laurel Park Bistro
901 77 Sunshine Strip, Harlingen, TX
Phone: 956-893-0121 call/text
Email: post@laurelparkbistro.com
Website: laurelparkbistro.com
Follow: Facebook & Instagram (@laurelparkbistro)
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