My name is Javier Cussato, and I am 35 years old. I live in Miami now, but the first half of my life was spent in one of the world’s most culturally rich countries: Peru. Growing up, I was immersed in a world of flavors, from the most exquisite dishes to the simplest meals, and this is where my deep connection with food began.

I’ve always strived to stand apart from the ordinary, gravitating towards the “odd” things, eccentric ideas, and impactful thoughts. At 17, I left Peru, embarking on my journey in the restaurant business. I started bussing tables at an Italian-American restaurant, my hands sanitizing tables and pulling pizzas from the oven in a whirlwind of activity. It was then that I realized my passion for the hospitality industry, prompting me to attend culinary school. I returned to Lima for almost a year to gain experience through internships, a period that was both enriching and formative.

Upon returning to Miami, I threw myself into what I considered the best Peruvian restaurants the city had to offer. In early 2014, after years of relentless hard work and varied experiences, I encountered an opportunity that would shape my culinary journey. This restaurant opened its doors to me, offering the chances I needed, though not always in the ways my ego desired. Starting from a position that felt beneath my worth was humbling, but it fueled my determination to surpass my own expectations.

Through this experience, I learned the power of teamwork and how a team can become family. I discovered how to elevate my culture through food and unlocked a culinary creativity I had never imagined. For a decade, I was part of this family, guided by two exceptional leaders, in a restaurant culture led by chefs who viewed the world from the heart of the kitchen.

Today, I am building a small dream with my partner—a vision that requires immense courage, which some might call madness, but is driven by commitment, passion, determination, and a profound love for cooking. In this industry, it is crucial to embrace opportunities with humility and courage. We must never feel so accomplished that we believe there is no room for improvement.