Born and raised in The Hunts Point Section of The South Bronx New York City my passion for all things food began before I was even 5 years old asking my mother for Goulash. I currently reside in The Duke City of Albuquerque in The Great State of New Mexico where I have been cooking for over 15 years now.

What brought me to the kitchen from a professional standpoint is the undying love affair that I have had with food since I was a toddler. Being Puerto Rican guarantees you two things, and that is that you will almost assuredly prefer your food well-seasoned and your music funky & groovy! Being raised by my Mother and Grandmother was a blessing. What they instilled in me is a passion for food and people that only grows as I get older. Preparing a meal for someone is one of the most loving acts of kindness on the planet. It lets them know that you care about their well-being and want them to feel thought of and nurtured.

What keeps me in the industry aside for my passion for food and people is how there is always something to learn. It literally never ends. I love to learn. I discover new recipes, ideas, approaches and so much more on a daily basis. Being able to pass that thirst for knowledge down to my staff not only keeps me sharp but more importantly keeps our entire unit sharp because our hearts remain humble as we continue to learn and grow while still taking care of our guests. It really never gets old.

The most valuable lesson I have learned in this industry is that there is always time for change and anything can happen. It’s all about being able to pivot and adapt on the fly while not losing sight of your long-term goals.

Honor the commitment to take care of the guest at all times, chase your dreams! Hard work absolutely pays off. Stay focused.