I started in this industry in my late teens, working as a busboy. The defining moment was when I walked into the kitchen and saw the chefs in their perfectly white coats and large hats. I was taken aback and mesmerized as I watched the head chef swiftly and precisely slicing a case of mushrooms. He was effortlessly engaged in conversations while still maintaining his speed and precision without even looking at what he was doing. So it all started with my excitement over a mushroom getting sliced, and every day since then, my excitement for the culinary world has not wavered.

I worked my way up in the culinary world, but it wasn’t until I discovered “stages” in foreign lands that my passion reached new heights. Typically, stages are for young cooks while they are in culinary school. However, I began my stages at 42, after already being established in the culinary industry. It all started with a simple conversation at the bar in my cafe @cafe_gala, and the adventures began. Every summer, I try to intern at interesting restaurants, from Miramar in the Barcelona area to Martín Berasategui in the Basque Country, to learn Catalan cooking at El Motel in Figueres, and a few more in between.

Working alongside like-minded people worldwide and learning new techniques and secrets is genuinely inspirational. It’s the most incredible adventure I have ever discovered. I feel like a culinary Hemingway on great adventures. Then, I returned to my cafe inspired and implemented some techniques, thoughts, and creations. I can’t recommend it enough at any age. The great thing about the culinary world is that one never stops learning.

What is your favorite street food?

Tacos

Which restaurant or food stand do you recommend? (Different from yours) (Add its Instagram handle if possible)

Pacoperezmiramar

What is your guilty pleasure?

Cheap pizza

What ingredient do you find overrated?

None really

What ingredient do you think is underrated?

Squash

What is your favorite kitchen tool?

Kitchen Knife

What is your worst kitchen nightmare?

Not being prepared.