Born in the vibrant fishing village of Cojímar, Cuba, Chef Monika Dominguez was raised with a deep-rooted passion for food, nurtured by a family where Sunday meals were sacred. In 2014, she moved to Miami in search of greater opportunities and quickly immersed herself in the hospitality world – starting humbly as a busser in Naples, Florida. Driven by determination and talent, she enrolled at Le Cordon Bleu in 2015.

Monika’s culinary journey took her through some of the most acclaimed kitchens in the world. She sharpened her skills as a line cook at ZUMA and later spent six transformative months at the globally renowned Pujol in Mexico City. In 2017, she joined KYU in Miami, where she first met Chef Raheem Sealey. Recognized for her leadership and talent, Monika was promoted to Head Chef to open KYU Mexico City in 2020. Returning stateside, she took the helm as Executive Chef at Chug’s Diner in 2021, where her work earned a Bib Gourmand nod from the Michelin Guide. In 2022 she launched Dale Street Food, celebrating contemporary Cuban cuisine.

Today, Monika brings her heart, heritage, and discipline to Shiso as Chef de Cuisine, where she works closely with Chef Raheem Sealey on a bold approach to Asian cuisine – layering flavors, techniques, and textures with thought and purpose.