Chef Ernesto

Chef Ernesto first learned the importance of cooking with fresh ingredients from his Abuela (grandmother) when he was 13 years old. The early experiences sparked his interest in the culinary arts, and he entered the restaurant business at 15 as a prep cook.

He went on to Schoolcraft College to study culinary arts. He then attended the Culinary Institute of America, in Hyde Park New York with some of the Country's current top chefs. The experience in New York helped further shape his passion for, and view of cooking.

It was when he met the owners of Cafe Cortina, the Tonon's, that he recognized a shared passion for fresh ingredients, high quality food, and a desire to make the diners experience top-notch. He was placed at the helm of Cafe | Cortina and truly appreciates the Tonon's receptiveness to his menu ideas, including the highly anticipated theme dinners.

(Chef Ernesto can be reached at Chef@CafeCortina.Com)