EVENTS: IDE ALL-STAR CULINARY BASH

Instagram: @verdemesa

pronouns: he/him/his

EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION: BS Electronic Engineering Technology-University of Puerto Rico, Bayamon Campus

BACKGROUND: Oof Inc. Company Restaurant Group (San Juan, Puerto Rico)

CURRENTLY: Verde Mesa (San Juan, Puerto Rico) 

WHY HE IS AMAZING: Gabriel Hernández is the Executive Chef of Verde Mesa. He and his business partner, Loyda Rosa initially opened Verde Mesa as a small bistro 10 years ago and it exists today as one of the most beloved restaurants in Old San Juan. Verde Mesa was a pioneering restaurant in revitalizing the use of local produce.

 Chef Gabriel's cuisine is clean, simple, and balanced. When Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico in 2018 it took more than a year to re-establish the restaurant to full operation. Chef Gabriel was a 2018 James Beard Foundation Best Chef: South Semi-Finalist. His goal is to create a culinary language that articulates the natural bounty of his homeland, the beautiful island of Puerto Rico.


LAST NIGHT ON EARTH HE’S EATING IN: Guavate, Puerto Rico