Today we’d like to introduce you to Andres Meraz.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My Culinary career began as a young boy working in my grandfather’s restaurant in Oakland, California washing dishes. During High School I considered different career options for my future such as construction, IT, electrician and culinary. After doing research in all of them I felt Culinary was my calling. In 2004, I graduated from the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco and I began an externship at a high end restaurant, The Carnelian Room where I was offered a permanent position as a line cook. In 2007 I started my journey at the Ritz Carlton – Half Moon Bay working under a French Master Chef, Xavier Salomon. In 2010, I got the opportunity to work for a 3 Michelin Star restaurant, Akelarre, in San Sebastian, Spain. Upon my return I helped open J&G grill, a Jean George restaurant at the St. Regis in Bal Harbour, Miami as a Sous Chef. Seeking for growth in my career I returned to the Ritz Carlton Company in South Beach as Chef De Cuisine and two years later I became the Executive Chef at the Royal Palm Hotel in South Beach. As my family grew we decided to move to the DFW area where I had the opportunity to work for a couple of restaurant groups. In 2016 I decided to open my own restaurant, Boca 31, in Denton where I am happy working with my own team, introducing people to Latin flavors and providing our customers quality of food and great service. Now, we are ready to expand and bring our qualities to Keller.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has definitely being a rough path but I believe everything that is worth it requires persistence and hard work. There are lots of struggles in the kitchen especially trying to balance a family and work life. Working long hours and working busy weekends all take a toll on your physical and mental health.
Please tell us about Boca 31.
Boca 31 is based on Latin Street food with my own twist. We want to deliver the best possible service and food at an affordable price. We thrive on being passionate on what we do and we want to create an experience for everyone that goes to eat our food. Our empanadas would be one of our staple menu items especially our Pork Chile Verde empanada. What sets us apart? Our tasty and consistent food and our caring service.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
If I had to start over I would travel more and try to learn as much as possible from other cultures around the world and see how I could incorporate their flavors and methods of cooking into my recipes.
Contact Info:
- Address: 207 S Bell Avenue
Denton, Texas – 76201
101 Town Center Lane Suite 117
Keller, Texas- 76248 (Coming Soon) - Website: boca31.com
- Phone: 940-514-1444
- Email: boca31.denton@gmail.com
- Instagram: boca31.denton
- Facebook: boca31.denton
- Yelp: Boca 31 Denton
Image Credit:
Shelby Ward
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