I am first and foremost a husband and a father and my family is my greatest blessing. Our 26 year and 15-year-old daughters keep my wife Jennifer and I on our toes. Josie and Brooke are a constant source of joy and pride
I was born in Peru to a German mother and Spanish father. As a young child, I was exposed to a vast array of cultural foods and flavours. My love of cooking began at an early age while learning at my
Grandmother’s side. During my teens, we relocated to Toronto, Canada. The rich and diverse blend of Toronto’s population and the limitless choices of culinary styles solidified my desire to pursue a career in the culinary arts.
Following culinary school, I won the Canadian Black Box Championship, apprenticed at the World Black Box Championship and gained valuable experience in some of the finest restaurants in Toronto.
I moved into the hotel world and was invited to be a part of task forces opening three new hotels. The last of which was The Umstead Hotel and Spa, which became the first North Carolina Five Diamond Hotel four months after opening. I am currently the Complex Executive Chef for two Starwood brand Sheraton & Le Meridien Hotels in Charlotte, North Carolina. In my spare time, I further satisfy my creative bend through carpentry projects and photography
