Franco Noriega Haltenhof (born January 16, 1989) is a Peruvian entrepreneur based in New York City[1] who has branched out into the restaurant business, modelling, television, and the music industry.[2] He is also a retired professional swimmer.

Franco Noriega
Birth nameFranco Noriega Haltenhof
Born (1989-01-16) January 16, 1989 (age 35)
Lima,  Peru
GenresPop, Latin Pop
Occupationsmodel, cook,
  • singer
  • songwriter
Years active2018–present
Websitefranconoriega.com

Noriega started swimming competitively at a young age, eventually representing Peru at various international sporting events. After retiring from his swimming career, he moved to New York City in 2007 and started modelling. He has since also opened his own restaurant, BABY BRASA, which focusses on organic Peruvian cuisine and catering.[3][4] Noriega has hosted several television programs on the Food Network,[5] and has appeared as a culinary guest on various talk shows such as The Ellen DeGeneres Show,[6] Live with Kelly and Ryan,[7] and The Wendy Williams Show.[8] In 2017, Noriega ventured into the music industry with his debut single "Me Aceleras." Noriega released his second single, "Tu Llamada", in 2019.[9]

Early life

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Born and raised in Peru, Franco Noriega grew up swimming competitively, representing Peru in several world tournaments. He moved to New York City in 2007 to study singing and acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.[10] His modeling career launched after being discovered by the fashion photographer Mario Testino. Noriega has modeled for brands like Dolce & Gabbana, Calvin Klein, Roberto Cavalli, Louis Vuitton,[10] and Hugo Boss. In 2012, he became the youngest Creative Director at Macy's for the millennial division.[11][12]

Business career

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Noriega was raised in a family of entrepreneurs; his parents own several businesses, including restaurants in Latin America.[13] In 2015 he attended the International Culinary Center in New York City.[14] In 2016 he founded the Peruvian restaurant BABY BRASA,[15] and subsequently opened the brand's flagship location in the West Village as well as a full-service catering division.[16] He also co-owns a restaurant chain in Peru with his sister and launch of a Sushi Bar in Manhattan, in September 2022.[10][17]

TV and Music career

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Franco Noriega has appeared as a culinary guest on various talk shows such as The Ellen DeGeneres Show,[6] Live with Kelly and Ryan[7] and The Wendy Williams Show.[8][6]

In 2017, he was a contestant on the Latin version of Dancing with the Stars: Mira Quien Baila.[18]

Later that year he launched his first single "Me Aceleras",[19] which he performed in various shows, including Teletón 2018, a telethon benefiting underprivileged children.[20] In 2019 he released his second single "Tu Llamada."[9][21]

References

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  1. ^ "Taking Your Brand Viral With Franco Noriega The Shirtless Chef". ART19. Retrieved October 21, 2018.
  2. ^ FRANCO NORIEGA (May 10, 2018), MeAceleras, retrieved October 21, 2018
  3. ^ Lynch, Scott. "Underwear Model Opens Shockingly Good Peruvian Spot On LES". Gothamist. Archived from the original on October 17, 2016. Retrieved October 23, 2016.
  4. ^ "About". Retrieved October 28, 2016.
  5. ^ "Familiar Food Network Faces Among People's Sexiest Chefs Alive". Food Network. Retrieved October 21, 2018.
  6. ^ a b c TheEllenShow (November 1, 2016), Naked Peruvian Chef Franco Noriega Heats Things Up with Ellen, retrieved October 21, 2018
  7. ^ a b "Chef Franco Noriega Prepares A Romantic Meal For Your Valentine | LIVE with Kelly and Ryan". kellyandryan.com. February 14, 2018. Retrieved October 21, 2018.
  8. ^ a b The Wendy Williams Show (February 14, 2017), Valentine's Day Recipes, retrieved October 21, 2018
  9. ^ a b Tu Llamada, retrieved January 26, 2019
  10. ^ a b c Schmalbruch, Sarah (June 23, 2016). "Everyone is talking about this model turned chef who's opening a new restaurant in NYC". Insider. Retrieved October 28, 2016.
  11. ^ Berlinger, Max (August 3, 2016). "How a Model-Turned-Chef Maintains His Six Pack". GQ. Retrieved October 23, 2016.
  12. ^ "Chef de moda: en exclusiva, desde Nueva York, Franco Noriega". COSAS.PE (in European Spanish). February 8, 2017. Retrieved October 21, 2018.
  13. ^ "Nuestras tiendas | Pastipan". pastipan.com.pe (in European Spanish). Retrieved October 21, 2018.
  14. ^ International Culinary Center[permanent dead link]
  15. ^ "This model turned chef opened a Peruvian restaurant in NYC — and people love it". INSIDER. Retrieved October 23, 2016.
  16. ^ "CATERING". BABY BRASA. Retrieved October 21, 2018.
  17. ^ "Loreta | Comida Saludable en San Isidro y La Molina". www.loreta.pe (in European Spanish). Retrieved October 21, 2018.
  18. ^ "Peruvian Chef Who Went Viral For Shirtless Cooking Videos Is Competing on 'Mira Quien Baila' Shirtless". Remezcla. September 29, 2017. Retrieved October 21, 2018.
  19. ^ Me Aceleras, November 9, 2017, retrieved October 21, 2018
  20. ^ Redacción, Redacción (September 14, 2018). "Teletón 2018: Estos son los artistas internacionales que participarán de la gala | VIDEO". Peru21 (in Spanish). Retrieved October 21, 2018.
  21. ^ FRANCO NORIEGA, "Tu Llamada" by Franco Noriega (Official Music Video), retrieved January 26, 2019

Further reading

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