Originally hailing from Peru, the chef and his business partner opened Ceviche 105, a popular spot for diners itching for authentic food from South America, in 2009. The duo first opened a small Cuban joint before going full throttle for their dream to bring Ceviche 105 to Miami.

 

It wasn’t easy getting to where you are today. Tell me about some of the struggles of opening a new restaurant.

Every day I’m grateful for everything that took place to obtain the results that now give me so much satisfaction, and I’m able to share it with our customers, employees, family and friends. If I have the opportunity to do it all over again, I would not change a thing! That’s just life: if you want something, you have to fight for it. And once you get it, you have to protect it.

What’s your earliest culinary memory?

My grandma teaching me how to cook and giving me kitchen secrets than I currently use.

What is your best Miami memory?

Crossing the Rickenbacker Causeway for the first time. I was amazed by its immensity, the beauty of the buildings, the vast and colorful ocean. I fell in love with Miami right away!

What is your favorite Miami landmark?

The Freedom Tower in downtown Miami.

Besides your restaurant, where is your favorite place to eat?

Fratelli Milano in downtown Miami.

What do you love about the Miami food scene?

The fusion of different cultures—so much variety, so much to choose from. You can never get bored here!

What’s something you haven’t done that you’d like to do?

Write a book. It’s in my future plans.

My Perfect Day

7 am, Out for a Run

I definitely enjoy running on Ocean Drive from Nikki Beach to the W Hotel. The feeling is so purifying and re-energizing. This is the time where all new ideas come to mind—it’s my time, my time to relax.

10 am, Breakfast

I’m a breakfast person, and what a better place for that than the SoHo House. The atmosphere is magical, listening to the piano, saxophone, and mimosas just adds to the fun!

3 pm, Shopping

Bal Harbour. It is not only a shopping center where you find those special things; it’s a place where you have a fun time and meet with friends.

8 pm, the Theater

The Adrienne Arsht Center, with a variety of different composers, plays and artists, is one of my favorite places. It reminds me of a night in New York City.

 

Originally posted in WhereTraveler.