Today we’d like to introduce you to Carlos Sanz.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Carlos. So, let’s start at the beginning, and we can move on from there.
I grew up enthralled by the flavors of New York City’s Little Italy. My early exposure to Italian cooking inspired me to go on culinary travels, which took me all the way to Dubai. I found a huge international hub in Dubai, with many different cultures and cuisines – much like Miami. The experience opened my eyes to high-quality ingredients, and I found culinary inspiration in mixing and matching international tastes. I am also a graduate of Kaiser Culinary School,
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I can definitely say it has not been a smooth road, and I hardly think that anything worth accomplishing should ever be a smooth road. Hard roads build character and give you the experience you need to continue to grow as a professional and an individual. Choosing the culinary field as my career, you can imagine that the typical bumpy road is even bumpier.
With long working hours and plenty of stress from such a fast-paced business, sometimes hopelessness can set in. I remember at one point in my early career, I was working 100 plus hours a week and barely making enough money to pay my rent.
That was the year I spent my first Christmas without my family in an apartment with no furniture eating take-out alone. But I knew if I gained the experience needed, then that would act as my stepping stone to something a little better. And it did! So for that, I am grateful, as well as the life lessons I learned on the way after that.
Needless to say, I’m a big advocate for keeping your head down and working hard until you reach your goal.
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Nationally acclaimed Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar offers the best in steakhouse dining – prime meats and chops, fresh fish and poultry, generous salads and side orders — with a curated wine list featuring a range of varietals served by the bottle and glass. Fleming’s is the recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including Wine Spectator’s annual Award of Excellence.
I will actually be taking on a new role with Fleming’s! I was the Chef Partner in Brickell and will now be the Culinary Field Training Manager for the entire Southeast Region. I will now focus on bringing culinary innovation to the region, by enhancing the culinary experience through training with a concentration on perfect execution of menu items for the field.
I think I’m most proud about the people I work with. All the way from the top of the company, everyone is amazing and supportive. Not to mention, Fleming’s is unlike many other concepts. We have Chef Partner’s and Operators who have the backing of a huge corporation with the freedom to run their business the way they see fit in order to be successful.
We know that every market is different and Fleming’s encourages our Partners to capitalize on that and do what works in their specific area, from local marketing to a local chef menu curated by that restaurant’s Chef Partner. I think that is something pretty amazing to be a part of.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
For me, I think it has been a combination of two things: passion and persistence. The passion is what I put into whatever I do, whether it’s the food or the developing of people, I can’t do anything without putting my all into it.
But sometimes things don’t go exactly how you plan, so having the persistence to carry on until I get it right is what has helped me excel.
Contact Info:
- Address: 600 Brickell Ave Suite 150, Miami, FL 33131
- Website: www.flemingssteakhouse.com
- Phone: (786) 915-8790
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flemingssteakhouse/; https://www.instagram.com/chef_c_sanz/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flemings/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/flemings-prime-steakhouse-and-wine-bar-miami-miami
Getting in touch: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
