“Cooking is a survival skill. The last few years in my country were hard, we ended up having to leave just to find job opportunities. When I arrived in Miami, my first opportunity was as a dishwasher. I had always had a strong connection with food – my father had his own restaurant – so I never felt out-of-place in kitchens. I was always intrigued by how to treat and prepare each ingredient. One day my chef dedicated his time to train me and placed me on the line -That’s how it all started. Today this is much more than a job, it’s a lifestyle! I know how to purchase, store, prepare and serve great food – not only for survival, but for my friends and family.”