What has been your proudest career accomplishment within the last year?
I was fortunate enough to be a part of many different initiatives and projects this year, but the one I’m most proud of has been [my social media series] Tuesdays with Tati. I had no idea the videos would take off like they did. I’m thrilled that the students took such a liking to me just showing them how to make different dishes with food from the dining hall.
What is your favorite kitchen hack?
Put some water in a bowl next to you when you’re cutting onions–you won’t cry!
What’s the best career advice you’ve been given?
The best career advice has actually come from my mom. She has always told me to cook with passion. Also, to be patient. And now I can see how important those two things are in my day to day. I’ve also bestowed the same wisdom onto my employees.
What’s been your most rewarding moment?
The most rewarding moment was sharing with my family that I had gotten a job with Chartwells and would be working at NYU. They knew I had been working so hard to find a place that would recognize my talent. I went from knowing nothing about the food industry to becoming an executive chef.