Jim Urdiales is the owner of Mestizo Louisiana Mexican Cuisine in Baton Rouge. He is a third-generation restauranteur that specializes in a fusion of true Mexican cuisine with a Louisiana flair. This unique twist is a tribute to his Mexican and Cajun-French heritage.

Jim has served in multiple leadership roles with the Baton Rogue Epicurean Society, NFIB, Mid-City Redevelopment, and the local and state boards of the Louisiana Restaurant Association.

Through his almost 25 years of restaurant management, Jim has found his way to being a true champion of the Baton Rouge people regarding the city’s drainage issues. Having survived 4 floods in 5 years and multiple hurricanes, Jim remains committed to his mission to feed the people of Baton Rouge and will continue to weather whatever storms threaten Mestizo.

His determination to maintain the restaurant’s location and tackle the city’s drainage problems is why we honor him tonight. Please congratulate Jim Urdiales, recipient of the 2023 Corey Tullier Courage Award.