I still remember the way the rice clumped together like a cake. I was seven years old and had convinced my parents to let me cook dinner. I made chicken with mushrooms and spinach rice, eager to prove I could do it. It was far from perfect, but the joy I felt in the kitchen lit something inside me.

Fast forward to my early 20s: I’d almost forgotten about that little spark. I was in law school in Colombia, following my family’s expectations. Cooking wasn’t considered a “real career” back home. Colombia, with its rich culture but heavy social struggles, often pushes dreams aside for stability. I liked the idea of law, especially its potential to help people, but I hated everything else about it.

Then I took a leap—or perhaps I ran away. I paused my degree and went to Chicago to study English. There, I fell in love and wanted to stay, to build something new. I looked into transferring my law classes, but nothing fit.

During that time, life shook me to my core. My father, who had lived a free spirit lifestyle, was losing his battle. His health was fading, but his spirit wasn’t. I still remember sitting with him during his final days. He told me something I carry with me to this day: Do what makes you happy.

His words pulled me out of the fog of depression. I realized I didn’t want to spend my life regretting the chances I didn’t take.

I enrolled in culinary school. I worked at places like Cosme in New York, learning techniques and refining my skills. But something felt off. I didn’t want to chase stars, and the traditional chef culture didn’t fit me. I rathered sell from my house of the street and connect with people in a deeper label.

So, I created La Tropi Kitchen—a research project that honors the women and traditions of the Caribbean, a celebration of sabrosura—the joy and soul that define our cuisine. During the pandemic, this dream took shape in the most unexpected way. From the window of my tiny Brooklyn apartment, I sold dishes of the day ¡Si hay sancocho!

That same curiosity for exploring my roots have now expanded into @elpatiotropicalnyc a culinary studio dedicated to explore the diversity of Latin America.
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📷 Ernesto Roman