Alfredo Lee
Friday - October 12, 2007 Share |
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Alfredo Lee is the executive chef at Sergio’s Italian Restaurant at Hilton Hawaiian Village. He has an interesting mixed-food background resulting in a love for foods that reflect both his Mexican and Italian background. He was born in Italy and moved to Mexico when he was 10 years old. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him salsa dancing in the restaurant.
Age: 39
Where did you go to school?
I attended grade school in Mexico City, I went to culinary school for three years in Siena, Italy, and I attended college in San Diego, Calif.
What started your interest in cooking?
My interest in cooking started as a kid because I was always surrounded by food. My family cooks mostly two different types of cuisines: Mexican cuisine from my mother’s side and Italian cuisine from my father’s side. I saw both of my grandmothers cooking, one making fresh tortillas and frijoles de la oya with epazote, and the other making fresh pasta and fresh pork sausage with tomatoes and basil. The diversity of dishes that my family created awakened my interest to the beauty of cooking.
First professional position?
I started in Il Fornaio American Corporation in 1989. Since then, my love and passion for food have grown, especially for Italian cuisine.
Who has influenced you most in your career?
I am the most influential person in my career because I have so much passion for the art of creating food, so I push myself to do my best, to exceed expectations and to learn more every day so that I can satisfy my guests.
If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be?
A professional dancer. I like Latin, ballroom, the tango, swing and the waltz.
Where do you go to eat when you have free time?
Imanas Tei Restaurant and Phuket Thai.
Favorite dishes at those places?
Spicy tuna roll at Imanas. At Phuket Thai, I enjoy the fried calamari and seafood combination soup. And for dessert, I like the sticky rice with vanilla ice cream.
What’s always in your fridge?
Cheese and Italian ham.
Favorite late-night snack?
Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream or Rice Dream Ice Cream Bars.
How do you describe your cooking style?
Traditional Italian with Latin flair. I like to play with colors and carefully use ingredients to create pleasing flavors.
Whom would you most like to host for dinner at Sergio’s?
My mother, who lives in Mexico. I miss her so much.
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