Unlike most travelers, however, he didn’t just come home with a suitcase full of souvenirs; Gonzalez brought back an entire restaurant.

In his early twenties, Gonzalez was jet-setting through Belgium and France when he landed in Florence, Italy. In this beautiful Tuscan city, known as the artistic capital of the European Renaissance, Gonzalez was enlightened just as Michelangelo, Botticelli, and da Vinci had been before him. He soon fell in love with the country’s language, food and people and decided to spend more time immersing himself in the Florentine society.

In order to learn Italian and better understand the culture, Gonzalez enrolled in cooking classes at Instituto Culinario Apicius and was soon after awarded the title of “Best Student” at the prestigious culinary institute. While attending the school, Gonzalez studied authentic Italian cuisine under Chef Stefano Innocenti, owner of the original Acqua Al 2 restaurant in Florence. Under Innocenti’s mentorship, Gonzalez mastered the secrets of the world-famous kitchen. He was so inspired with the Italian hospitality at Acqua Al 2 that he wanted to share the same experience with Americans back at home.

Gonzalez and Innocenti fostered a strong partnership and developed plans to bring Acqua Al 2 to the United States. In September 2000, Gonzalez opened Acqua Al 2’s second location in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, serving an identical menu to its sister restaurant in Florence. Since its opening, Gonzalez has continued communication with Innocenti and makes frequent trips to Italy in order to keep the San Diego restaurant current with its Florentine sibling.

Now, after almost eight years in the Gaslamp Quarter, Gonzalez has established Acqua Al 2 as the favorite Italian cuisine destination for locals and visitors alike. Under his leadership, Acqua Al 2 has won awards including “Best New Restaurant” in 2001; “Favorite Italian Restaurant” by San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter Association from 2003-2007; 944 magazine’s Platinum Awards for “Best Italian Food” and “Best Downtown Restaurant” in 2006 “Best Italian Dining” in 2007.

When he’s not working in the kitchen at Acqua Al 2, Martin Gonzalez can be found catering for the San Diego Padres baseball team. The Padres are huge fans of Gonzalez’s cooking and he prepares their post-game meals at each home stay.

Gonzalez currently lives in San Diego with his wife and two children. He is actively involved with autism charities and continuously supports his community.