On the Line: Puerto Rico, Denver and Chicago with Joel Perez

The episode begins with Joel reflecting on common Puerto Rican foods he grew up eating. Joel shares plenty of favorites from his childhood including the many ways Puerto Ricans enjoy rice, beans and plantains. We discuss Joel's early working career including his time tenures with Party City and Miss Universe pageants. Eventually we move on to the first restaurant job Joel held, running food at an Asian Bistro. The duo chronicle the next several years before Joel moved to Denver, and then break down the changes in responsibilities he took on as a sous chef and kitchen leader across multiple restaurants. Finally the Joel shares some of his knowledge and passes on some wisdom for line cooks looking to become Sous Chefs and other sorts of kitchen leaders.