Juan Carlos Mercado
 Member since: January 29, 2008
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 Chef Juan Mercado
Juan Mercado was born in Puerto Rico, where his grandmother sat him on the countertop as she cooked – she was a chef at her own restaurant for many years. He grew up in a large family where the culture of food already had deep roots. Up in the mountain region, Barranquitas, his mother’s side of the family owned land where they raised farm animals and cultivated the land for coffee, tobacco, fruits and vegetables. Juan father was a butcher and owned a restaurant at one time.
Juan start helping his Granma in her small restaurant when he turned thirteen, Learning was his mission, and he did it! Growing up, he had stints at all the major fast food and pizza joint: his objective was to learn all the facets of the hospitality business; now was time to move to more professional kitchen.
When he came to Florida he met Michael Harman, Executive Pastry Chef at Universal Studios, who recognized Chef Mercado’s talent and offered him a position in the kitchen of Mythos, under Chef Mark Wachoviak. There is where Juan met Rosana, the love of his life, which suggested him to apply at the Portofino Bay Hotel, a Lowes Hotel at Universal Orlando. In less than a year, Juan Mercado went from a position of cook three at Trattoria Del Porto to Lead cook at Delfino Riviera with Italian-born chef Massimo Fedozzi, where his love for Italian food was awakened. Massimo took him under his wing and taught him the essence of Ligurian cuisine and creative Italian cuisine at the award-winning Delfino Riviera.
From 2004 to 2006 as sous chef for Massimo Fedozzi, and then for Chef Robert Dauberman at Harvard’s at Alaqua in Longwood, Fla. After a brief stint at Levy Restaurants Portobello Yacht Club , in Downtown Disney, Orlando, Chef Mercado Opened Rocco’s Italian Grille in Winter Park, FL, with the title of Executive Chef, where he received many accolades (see Chef Profile). In September 2008, Chef Juan rejoined forces with his mentor Chef Fedozzi, and his goal is to reach the stars!
WHAT HE ENJOYS THE MOST IN THE KITCHEN
Everything! It’s something that’s just in my heart. I enjoy creating the many flavors, and I strive to please myself, along with the people for whom I’m cooking at the same time. It’s just so great for me to see the people then they eat the food and they love it – it’s just a wonderful feeling.
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| Website: www.palioristorante.com |
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