Chef Carmen Gonzalez
Not many aspiring chefs can say they rubbed elbows with true masters of the industry during their early days of culinary training, especially at renowned restaurants such as The Quilted Giraffe, one of New York 's finest dining establishments. However, Chef Carmen Gonzalez can attest, having the opportunity to showcase her culinary skills there upon graduating from The New York Restaurant School.
Upon completion of her training, Gonzalez relocated from New York to Miami. Since then, her passion for excellence and undying dedication to her career has enabled her to acquire a following of loyal clientele in South Florida for more than 13 years. In 1989, Gonzalez opened the highly acclaimed Clowns in Coral Gables, Florida commencing the journey for her food aficionados who trekked with her to The Miami Club in downtown Miami and then to Tamarind at the Sheraton Gateway Hotel. During her reign at Tamarind, the Miami Herald stated, "It's been a long time since a restaurant struck with such stimulating yet thought-out dining. Credit belongs to star chef Carmen Gonzalez".
Today, Gonzalez is a veteran chef and celebrated culinary artist who has been in the food arena of over 20 years. Her creative flare for cooking is apparent on every plate she prepares. In March 2003, Gonzalez opened the doors to her latest venture, appropriately called Carmen the Restaurant (CTR) in Coral Gables , Florida , where she is the executive chef and sole proprietor.
Her dishes are unique creations of Post New American fare with distinct Latino flavor, which is a reflection of Gonzalez's heritage that emulate Puerto Rican food customs including yuca, mofongo, plantains, and island mojito sauce. Since its opening, CTR has received rave reviews from several local and national publications. In November 2003, John Mariani, Esquire magazine, named CTR "One of the Best New Restaurants in America " - the only restaurant in Florida that year to make the celebrated list. The Miami Herald awarded the food and service with an "Outstanding" review, The New York Times proclaimed, "One the cities hottest hangouts" and The Miami New Times boldly stated, "The problem is that there are no problems." In their 2004 Best of Issue, The Miami New Times voted CTR as "The Best New Restaurant." Gonzalez continues to receive accolades from the industry's most influential media including ZAGAT, which gave impressive ratings and a stellar review and Florida Trend's infamous restaurant guide, which listed CTR among the state's Best New restaurants. Gonzalez has also appeared on local television including WTVJ Channel 6 for her involvement with the Star Chefs Extravaganza benefiting the March of Dimes foundation, live cooking segments during the evening news, WSVN Channel 7's DECO Drive for Share Our Strength's "Five Fabulous Female Chefs," and David Rosengarden's "Today on Food" on the Food Network.
Gonzalez's loyalty to the community is parallel to her work in the kitchen. For over a decade she has been devoted to many charitable organizations and has received some of South Florida's most notable awards for her commitment to helping those in the community. She has been a loyal supporter of Share Our Strength (SOS) for the past twelve years, Camillus House, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and a host of other local and international organizations including the renowned James Beard Foundation.
Gonzalez has been the recipient for the Up and Comers of South Florida 1991, Woman of the Year 1996 from the Coalition of Hispanic American Women (CHAW), and Florida 's Finest 1996 awarded by Governor Lawton Chiles. In 1994, Gonzalez was presented with an honorary doctorate of culinary arts from Johnson and Wales University , an honor she shares with Julia Child and Madeline Kamman, making her the third woman to earn this prestigious accomplishment.
In addition to supporting countless community-driven associations over the years, Gonzalez has the found the time in a rather strict schedule to commit to two more charitable organizations, Chef Carmen Cooks for a Cure(CCCC) and Feeding the Mind Foundation (FTM). These are her personal endeavors that are extensions of her undying dedication to her community. Through CCCC, Gonzalez has pledged to raise funds for the ongoing research at the University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. FTM is a vision that has come to existence for Gonzalez, who has resurrected the foundation, which she created in the early 1990's. FTM's ultimate goal is to provide a culinary institute for disadvantaged women who do not have the financial ability to receive training for employment in the food industry.
Reaching the ranks of a celebrated star chef, a childhood aspiration of Gonzalez, and having the resources to help those who are less fortunate, a passion she has had since she can remember, Carmen Gonzalez feels as if she's arrived at her final destination. "This is what I've always dreamed of," she proudly states.
