One of Santana's biggest hits is "Smooth" and may describe more than his moves. It is also about his palate. Carlos Santana the restaurant mogul. His guitar moves take second place to some favorite gourmet specialties. It is his fifth Maria Maria location.
"For me it's an opportunity to affirm that life is delicious, especially with people who have passion for what they do," says Santana.
It is that same kind of passion that Carlos brings to his music. This is, after all, a man who has sold more than 90 million albums in a 40 year career. As a business partner, he leaves the menu up to the chefs.
"This is what they do. They trust me when I go on stage. The chefs don't tell me who to do, I suggest, so I make sure the standards are high," says Santana.
Carlos say there is some déjà vu here. His father used to play music in the Danville area when the family moved here from Tijuana. His life has been filled with music and spirituality.
Carlos says whether it's his music, the shoes he designs or food, it's a way to make a change in people's lives.
"It's a wonderful opportunity to be of service to help California heal itself because the main thing that is needed in California is for us to invest more and more energy, passion and energy into education," says Santana.
Santana continues to make music, returning next month to his long term gig in Las Vegas.
