Name: Luis Santos
Snapchef Location: Providence
Position: Cook/Driver/Advanced Skills
What experience in your life led to you interested in food and cooking?
I grew up cooking and I started taking classes in high school. When I was in high school, i began working and that is where I developed a love for working on the line and pushing out food that is great. I also enjoy seeing people enjoy their meals I prepared.
Describe the moment when you decided that you wanted to pursue a career in the culinary field.
It happened when I was in middle school. I was into art and cooking and that is where I started to make art out of food and that is could affect all of the senses.
What challenges have you faced – and what obstacles have you had to overcome – to pursue your career in the culinary field?
The obvious challenge were finical struggles as well as some of the personalities of managers I have worked with and how working with them forced me to review my aspirations.
How have friends and family reacted to your career choice?
I have gotten full support for my friends and family. They love it and they want me to pursue what I love. They also love being a taste tester to new recipes I like to try.
What do you like most about working in a professional kitchen?
I really enjoy the camaraderie and the work ethic. Not everything runs smoothly in the kitchen, so working together among the organized chaos is also enjoyable, especially when we get things back on track. I also like using and learning on different types of equipment.
What’s your favorite comfort food?
This is a tough question because I am a big guy and I like a lot of food. Honestly, I would probably say bacalaitos,; which are thing fried cod fillets that are lightly salted normally with fried sweet and savory plantains.
What is your favorite thing about working at Snapchef?
I really enjoy the variety. Being able to work in different kitchens and with different professionals is very beneficial and helps me grow as a chef.
What is your advice to those interested in pursuing a career in the culinary field?
Get use to long days and nights. Also be prepared to serve the bad side of people, especially if you know what you’re doing because some people can be horrible.
What are some of your other hobbies outside of cooking?
My other hobbies are martial arts and drawing. Honestly. I do a lot of cooking at home and making new recipes.
