Elvis J. Rosario
Gramercy, Manhattan
The folks at Chica & The Don have perfected the concept of dinner and a show. While you are eating some of the best yuca fries and Meloncitos that NYC has to offer, you also are first in row to enjoy Salsa dancing in the dining room, or on the dancefloor as a roster of great DJs makes their way to the restaurant this summer. Elvis J. Rosario, director of Ops, has created a whole VIBE that needs to be experienced firsthand.
Full name, age, where are you from?
Elvis J. Rosario, 32, Dominican Republic
What is your title and where do you work?
Director of Operations at Chica and The Don
What inspired you to work in the food industry?
Honestly, I was around it since early on. My father was involved for a short time in a boutique hotel with a restaurant and a piano bar in Santo Domingo when I was young. However, I never thought I actually was going to end up in this business until I moved to NYC and started working in bars to pay for college.
What is your biggest customer pet peeve?
Ufffff! I feel like apart from the regular stuff, something that really bothers me is when guests, for whatever reason, have a bad experience and decide to be disrespectful to any staff. I just don't believe that to ever be warranted.
What is your most blissful food moment?
I love to discover small mom-and-pop restaurants when traveling. While in Barcelona, driving in small towns, my wife and I discovered this amazing Michelin-recommended spot run by 2 brothers. I just have great memories from that lunch, and great wine too :-).
What dish do you want to perfect in the kitchen?
Ahy-Ahy-Ahy!! I am not the greatest cook. However, if there's a dish that I would want to perfect would be mofongo. I love a buen mofongo.
If you could shout out a colleague or friend in the industry who would it be and why?
Wow, too many!!!!! I can't do this! I will say early on Gustavo Ortega Oyarzun; he was one of the first bar managers that I had who instilled in me the art of hospitality. He makes mean Margaritas too. Check 'em out!
What is the best food city?
What is this question?!?!? NY, por favor!!!!
How do you relax outside of work?
I run, hike, dance.
What is your astrology sign (including moon and rising)?
Leo (Don't know the other ones) - Astrology intrigues me but I guess not enough.