What inspired you to become a chef?
My major inspiration was being able to nurture people. A way to push my creativity and express myself through food and make people happy.
Where did you train? Tell us more about your culinary background…
I am self-taught by traveling and staging at some of the best restaurants in the world. Places like Arzak Quique dacosta, central and many more. I also ate at some of the best places to help understand where I wanted take my gastronomy.
What prompted you to open your new restaurant?
The crazy idea to open my own place was to showcase everything I have learned through my years of experience. Without having anyone holding me back. Often chefs get limited creativity when owners micromanage them. Also I wanted to bring true Latin American flavours using local ingredients to Vancouver since Vancouver is very limited when it comes to Latin American restaurants.
What can diners expect from Cacao’s menu?
Our menu is divided between a la carte and a degustation menu, which is our journey (tasting menu). The journey takes you trough a gastronomical experience showcasing Latin flavours using local ingredients and modern techniques.
Talk interiors to us…
Our concepts description is by BYU Design. Sitting down in the refreshed Cacao dinning room will be a feast for the senses. Upon entering guests will immediately smell the fragrant aroma drifting toward them from the kitchen. Their eyes will move across the bar and seating areas invoking a sense of comfort and interest. The design will serve to merely compliment the stunning dishes, giving a nod to Latin culture and an unforgettable experience.
What’s your favourite summer ingredient?
All ingredients are our favourite, there’s no more or less, we love them all. We go foraging and to farmers markets, as well our forager friends pop by every now and then with interesting stuff to try and use.
Do you have any role models?
Definitely Massimo Bottura.
What’s your favourite summer ingredient?
All ingredients are our favourite, there’s no more or less, we love them all. We go foraging and to farmers markets, as well our forager friends pop by every now and then with interesting stuff to try and use.
Name three of your favourite restaurants
1 Mugaritz
2 Osteria Francescana
3 Central
Finally… what’s your favourite midnight snack?
Corn flakes.
Hungry for more? Visit Cacao’s website by clicking here