Guest Chef Series: Meet Maria Mercedes Grubb
As a way to keep our culinary offerings fresh and exciting, we love to collaborate with talented chefs, influences, and innovators to bring new ideas to the table. Recently, FLIK welcomed Chef Maria Mercedes Grubb as a celebrity guest chef in NYC.
Chef Maria is one of the leading women transforming the culinary scene in Puerto Rico. After studying at the International Culinary Institute, Chef Maria lived in New York City working at famed restaurants including Pastis, The Modern, Maialino, and Bar Basque.
At FLIK, Chef Maria worked side-by-side with our culinary team to serve up a delicious meal. She served:
- Calabasa & Japanese Curry Soup
- Fish & Yuca with Salsa Verde
- Coquito Hazelnut Bread Budding with Creme Chantilly
In November 2011, she returned to Puerto Rico to be closer to family and friends, and realized the food scene in Puerto Rico needed a refresh. Moving away from the traditional dishes of rice & beans, she challenged the status quo and opened UDC - Underground Dining Club. The pop-up supper club was the first of its kind on the island and introduced exciting new fusion flavors to the culinary scene including French, Japanese, Thai and Italian. The 6 to 8 course tasting menus focus on unique flavors, fine dining plating and ambiance.
In addition to running UDC, she also serves as the Executive Chef at Gallo Negro in Puerto Rico.
As a part of our national network of up-and-coming restaurant chefs, we're so proud to collaborate with culinary leaders like Chef Maria!
Read more about our guest chef experiences, including Chef Michael Toscano and Chef Nico Abello and stay tuned for more guest chefs coming to our locations!
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For more information about FLIK Hospitality Group, our blog, or our guest chef series, please e-mail us at flikblog@compass-usa.com.
To explore a career with FLIK Hospitality Group, please visit us here.