Award-winning Chef Tatiana Rosana, a first-generation Cuban-American raised in Miami, grew up surrounded by food. In her family meals were the center of every celebration and comfort in times of hardship. This instilled in her a deep love for food from a young age. Her love of food, family, and her Cuban roots are evident in the culinary empire she’s built overseeing Para Maria, Lookout Rooftop and Bar, and The Envoy Hotel‘s in-room dining in the Seaport District of Boston, Massachusetts.
Chef Tatiana Rosana’s Approach to Food
Her approach to food is a unique blend of her Cuban heritage, her wife Alexis’ Korean background, her French training, and her New England experiences. Rosana’s philosophy is one of exploration and curiosity, using locally sourced ingredients to create dishes that are both familiar and exciting, with creative flavor combinations and textures.
The menu at Para Maria is a work of art and a homage to Chef Tatiana’s upbringing and culinary prowess. I stopped in for brunch and couldn’t get over how diverse the flavor offerings were. We sampled the Chef’s favorite selections. The vanilla bean waffles with blueberry compote and maple syrup were a hit.
But my personal favorite bite was the Crispy Fried Fish Tacos with shredded Lettuce, mango pico de gallo, and chipotle aioli. Another big hit was the Croquetas de Jamon with Serrano ham, bechamel, and mojo aioli which Chef Tatiana let us know was her Grandmother’s recipe.
The cocktail program at Para Maria is also not to be missed. The cheekily named Lionel Lychee is made with Velo Vodka, fruitful lychee purée, Lemon and topped with bubbles. If savory is more to your liking check out one of their Bloody Mary Bar selections like the creative and intriguing Green Dragon made with Ketel cucumber mint botanical, zhoug which is a mixture of cilantro, jalapeno, green chili, and garlic, alongside green dragon hot sauce, and lemon.
TV Appearances
While Chef Tatiana is clearly dynamite in the kitchen, she’s one part chef and one part educator. She brings her expertise to the national stage while competing on your favorite food shows like The Food Network’s Beat Bobby Flay, Guy’s Grocery Games, Chopped, and Chopped Champions. She’s actually won Chopped twice. She has also made regular appearances on Good Morning America, The Today Show, and NBC Boston and is a recurring “chef expert” on the hit television show Bar Rescue. Her vibrant and friendly personality makes it easy to see why she’s a media darling spreading her love of food and culture to home audiences.
