Chef Riany

Riany grew up in the Dominican Republic, where he developed a passion for vibrant, authentic flavors. He moved to the United States and worked his way up through the culinary world, learning from some of the best chefs along the way. With a dedication to excellence and a love for hospitality, Riany always strives to create a memorable experience for every guest he serves.

A man wearing a black baseball cap, a navy blue shirt with white patterns, and a brown apron is working, looking downward, in an indoor setting.

My passion project

Pataconia, is a concept born from a deep love for Caribbean cuisine and a desire to see it evolve. The vision is clear: to create a culinary space that honors the rich traditions of the islands while embracing modern, innovative techniques. Pataconia is a tribute to the vibrant flavors, aromatic spices, and soulful cooking that define Caribbean food, but it's also an exploration of what it can become.

The core idea behind Pataconia is a fusion of heritage and creativity. It's about taking beloved staples—like the humble plantain, which inspired the name—and reimagining them in unexpected ways. The project is an attempt to bridge the gap between the familiar and the new, creating dishes that evoke a sense of nostalgia while offering a completely fresh experience. This isn't about reinventing the wheel, but rather about polishing it, adding new gears, and showing the world the full potential of Caribbean ingredients.

One of the central tenets of Pataconia is the celebration and preservation of tradition. The project's innovations are never meant to overshadow the foundational recipes passed down through generations. Instead, they serve to highlight and elevate them. The goal is to tell the story of the Caribbean through food, from the sun-drenched beaches to the bustling street markets, all while introducing a new chapter that speaks to a global palate. It's a conversation between the past and the future, with each dish serving as a delicious point of dialogue.

Ultimately, Pataconia is a dream of a future where Caribbean food receives the same global recognition and creative experimentation as other major cuisines. I'm hopeful that one day I will be able to bring this project to life, building a space where people can gather, share, and experience the bold, beautiful, and innovative flavors of the Caribbean. Until then, the vision of Pataconia continues to inspire and drive the passion to make it a reality.