• Saturday, April 5, 5:00 pm, Al Eur Demo Kitchen Theater

Ariel Rodriguez

Pursuing a lifelong interest in the culinary arts, Ariel Rodriguez started his career under the mentorship of Chef Augusto Schreiner while completing a bachelor’s degree in Economics. Completing formal culinary education at the Culinary Institute of America in New York, he became Chef Augusto’s Sous Chef and later acquired Augusto’s Restaurant at the young age of 28 years. With several national and international awards under his belt, his commitment to the advancement of the Puerto Rican and Caribbean cuisine has led him to join diverse international culinary organizations, including the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs. In addition, he was captain of the Puerto Rico Culinary Team in 2003 and served as the team’s coach from 2004 to 2007, leading the respective teams to win three gold medals and one silver medal at the Taste of the Caribbean regional culinary competitions. Currently, he is the Sergeant of Arms of the Puerto Rico Chapter of the American Culinary Federation and chairs the Restaurant Committee of the Puerto Rico Hotel and Tourism Association.