Chef Manny - Miami's Best Personal Chefs

“Cooking is how I communicate — it’s how I share where I come from and what I care about.”

Cooking has always been more than a skill for me. It’s how I express myself, connect with people, and bring a sense of comfort to the table. I love creating meals that feel familiar and soulful — food that tells a story and reminds you of home, no matter where you are.

My Style

My cooking is deeply rooted in comfort and simplicity, inspired by the rich flavors of my Cuban heritage. I gravitate toward dishes that let ingredients speak for themselves — a slow-cooked stew, fresh fish finished with lime juice, or anything that feels honest and grounding.

I learned early on that great cooking isn’t about rigid recipes. Watching my grandmother cook instinctively taught me to trust my palate, follow my senses, and cook with feeling. Even after formal culinary training and years in professional kitchens, that lesson remains at the heart of everything I make.

I love the rhythm and timing of the kitchen — knowing when to wait, when to move, and how each moment builds toward something meaningful. For me, cooking is storytelling, built one layer at a time.

My Story

I was born and raised in vibrant Miami, Florida, surrounded by the bold flavors and traditions of my Cuban heritage. My culinary journey started at home, learning by observation and instinct long before I ever stepped into a professional kitchen.

Over the years, I trained formally in culinary school and went on to work in Michelin-starred kitchens in both Miami and New York City. I worked my way up from prep cook to Chef de Cuisine, gaining experience across every station and learning what it truly takes to lead a kitchen.

Along the way, I’ve had the honor of cooking for people like Hillary Clinton, Seth Rogen, and Chef Daniel Boulud. Those experiences were unforgettable, but no matter who’s at the table, I believe the most important ingredient in any meal is the people you’re sharing it with.

Beyond the Kitchen

When I’m not cooking, you’ll usually find me outdoors enjoying the natural beauty of the Florida Keys — fishing, hiking, or playing basketball whenever I get the chance. I draw a lot of inspiration from being outside and staying active.

And if you hear me humming while I cook, that’s just me in my element — I might not advertise it, but I can sing a little too.

Our focus is weekly meal service for you and your family.

At Tiny Spoon, we spend a lot of time talking about relationships because we think that’s where the “special sauce” is. To us, there’s nothing better than pulling up a stool in the kitchen, steeping in solid conversation with someone fab and grabbing a bite of that perfect thing you didn’t know you wanted mingling with your taste buds.