CHEF PATRICIA ESTORINO

Executive Chef/Owner: Gustazo Restaurant Group / Gustazo Foods, Inc.

Chef Patricia was born and raised in La Habana, Cuba. She studied ballet for 10 years, and began her professional journey as a professional dancer in Havana, by winning a spot in the Contemporary Dance Company of Cuba, one of the most prestigious dance institutions in the world, she was only 17 years old. After enjoying an early success as a dancer traveling the world with the company, she decided to emigrating to the USA, landing in Massachusetts where she has lived since early 2000. Once in US, she transitioned to teaching dance, channeling her artistic foundation into new creative pursuits. This evolution set the stage for her groundbreaking foray into the culinary world, a family tradition and a passion she had always nursed.

In 2011, Patricia opened the first Gustazo Cuban Kitchen & Bar, a humble 18-seat establishment dedicated to reimagining Cuban cuisine. Over the past decade, her innovative approach has elevated Cuban cuisine in Boston, blending traditional flavors with modern techniques to offer fresh interpretations of beloved classics. Gustazo has since grown into two locations, each with over 300-seats, and four bars featuring an acclaimed bar program and an extensive collection of rums sourced from around the world. The restaurant has garnered widespread acclaim, becoming a household name in Boston’s culinary landscape. Its success has been recognized repeatedly, earning the restaurant a coveted spot several times in Boston Magazine’s Best 50 Restaurants list. The establishment has also been consistently named Best of Boston in both Latin food and brunch categories, a testament to its exceptional dining experience.

Patricia’s culinary excellence has been further recognized with prestigious accolades. She has been a James Beard Award semifinalist for Best Chef: Northeast in both 2022 and 2024 and proudly represented Boston in the James Beard Foundation's Taste America series in 2023. These honors reflect her unwavering commitment to culinary innovation and her ability to share the richness of Cuban flavors with a broader audience. Looking to expand her impact, Patricia founded Gustazo Foods, Inc., a venture aimed at bringing her unique culinary creations to homes beyond the restaurant setting. This endeavor underscores her dedication to sharing authentic Cuban flavors and fostering a deeper appreciation for her heritage.

As she looks ahead, Patricia envisions continued exploration of Cuban cuisine, pushing the boundaries of her craft while expanding Gustazo’s reach. Her passion for her culture and commitment to excellence have cemented her reputation as a transformative figure in Boston’s vibrant culinary scene, ensuring her enduring legacy in both local and global food culture.

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