how did you learn to cook?

my mom, grandma and titi belkis taught me how to cook. when i was young i would sit outside the kitchen at lunchtime to chat with mom about how our days were going. once i was old enough i was mom’s little helper in the kitchen.  once i moved to the states, grandma taught me her recipes, and more recently my aunt belkis.  i still call them on a weekly basis to ask them about food.  the kitchen has always been the hub of activity in my family.  the way dominicans show each other love is through food… the more the better.

when did you start cooking?

i think i became my mom’s souz chef at around 7 or 8 years old (peeling things, cleaning beans & rice, etc.). made my first solo meal (a breakfast) around 11-12.

what is your favorite cooking utensil?

tongs. they are awesome. 

what is your favorite dish?

i wish i could pick just one. my tastes change constantly and i have a new favorite dish, seemingly every week.  as many of my friends will tell you, something i really enjoy is bar food. i love a good appetizer platter, but i  specially enjoy nachos.

who is the irishman?

the irishman is a very handsome fella from county tipperary in ireland.  i met him (and i am very proud of this: i picked him up) almost 4 years ago, on one of those perfect new york summer nights while waiting on line to get falafels.  most great things that have happened to me are linked to food somehow.