Arelis González

“The successor”

Arelis González loves working and interacting with the people from all walks of life.  Those skills have translated to her working in the culinary industry throughout the island of Puerto Rico in famous places such as the Ritz-Carlton in San Juan, Palmas Del Mar Country Club in Humacao and Señor Frogs in Old San Juan.  González’s path began in the much remembered Houlihan’s in Condado in 1995, till her ascent all the way to the luxurious and beautiful W Retreat & Spa in Vieques where she works as Bar & Restaurant Manager.

González has an impressive 17+ years of experience working in the food & beverage industry.  Her passion and inspiration are her mother and grandmother who were both great artists of the kitchen.  She also loves Italian cooking, exploring the beautiful island of Puerto Rico on her free time, and loves reading all sorts of books about the culinary field to further improve her self knowledge.  Arelis González is one of the names to look for in the future as she is well on her way to one day owning her own café/bar and accomplishing one of her dreams.

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Ivan Silva Ruiz

“The ‘Sour’ Mixologist”

A well known and respected mixologist and bartender in Puerto Rico, Ivan Silva Ruiz is known within the industry simply as “Sour.”  Silva is a visionary with how he approaches the art of mixing and pouring drinks, and has extensively traveled internationally showcasing his unique skills.  Silva is a member of the International Bartender Association and has competed and/or consulted in such prestigious events such as the Panamerican Competition (XVI, XVII) in Puerto Rico and Peru, as well as hosting seminars for Rums of Puerto Rico in 2009.  Silva is currently the Culinary Arts Coordinator at Instituto De Banca y Comercio in Mayagüez where he oversees and supervises the entire food and beverage department.  One of the great qualities about Silva is that he “easily gives praise and credit to others for work well done and enjoys being a team player.”

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Jorge A. López

“The Ambassador Bartender”

One of Puerto Rico’s most well known bartenders and entrepreneurs is Jorge A. López, who is a native of Puerto Rico and graduated in 1996 from the American University in Cupey.  López learned bartending programs and also concentrated in hotel and human resources management at the time and eventually launched his own business in 1995 called Tropibarshop. López’s business provided products and services and training, and was well known for creating various drinks and winning numerous mixing competitions. Between 1995-2001 Lopez was the ambassador at the Hotel Marriott creating a famous cocktail called “Rican Punch” which was hailed as a success. He was elected president of the Association of Puerto Rico Bartenders affiliate (IBA) International Bartenders Association and has had a hand training the art of bartending to well over 10,000 professionals. Today he is considered one of the best ambassadors of bartending not only in Puerto Rico, but the world.

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Nilda Miranda

“The Creator”

Nilda Miranda is known in the island of Puerto Rico, having over 15 years experience specializing in all types of mixing drinks such as various exotic cocktails and mojitos.  In fact, Miranda is known to have created a cocktail called the “Blue Marble Mojito.” 

Her educational background is in the hotel and tourism industry, which has fit perfectly with the past 6 years of professional work where she’s employed by the beautiful Hotel Embassy Suites Dorado Del Mar Beach & Golf Resort.  The culinary industry of Puerto Rico is rising because of talents like Nilda Miranda and her dedication to the pleasure of tastes.

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