Angel joined the Sprouts Chef Training Program with a quiet curiosity and a genuine passion for cooking, shaped by years of watching his mom prepare the meals he grew up loving. A former intern introduced him to the program, and as soon as he learned it was a space for young people who wanted to cook, he knew it was the right place for him. Angel is the kind of person who stays steady, wants to improve, and doesn’t let nerves get in his way.

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At alaMar Dominican Kitchen, Angel spent most of his time working alongside Chef Juan, building his foundation slowly and steadily. He focused heavily on knife skills and organization, prepping vegetables like beets, cucumbers, squash, sweet potatoes, and plantains - learning first-hand how tricky they can be when not ripe. Over time, he learned to plate dishes, watch how orders came together, and even try menu items like the Dominican burger and breakfast burritos Chef Juan sometimes made for him. The kitchen moved fast, but Angel adapted, observing carefully and putting new techniques into practice.

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Throughout the program, Angel grew more confident and less worried about making mistakes. At first, he overthought tasks and felt anxious speaking with others, but with patience and practice, he learned to slow down, ask for clarification, and trust himself. His knife skills improved the most, and he discovered that even when certain vegetables gave him trouble, he could take a breath and work through it. This experience helped him stay motivated despite personal challenges and gave him a space where he could focus, learn, and feel supported.

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Sprouts made a meaningful impact on Angel by providing a real kitchen environment, supportive chef mentors, and hands-on opportunities that showed him what he is capable of. He enjoyed the team at alaMar and valued having people who taught him step by step, encouraged him to take things slowly, and reminded him that he belongs in a professional kitchen. The program also gave him a positive focus, stronger self-belief, and new excitement for cooking at home.

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Now that he has completed the program, Angel feels a hunger to keep growing in the culinary world. His goal is to get a job, save money, and eventually attend culinary school. He wants to keep practicing at home, explore new techniques, and continue the path that started with his mom’s cooking and has grown into a real passion for the craft.

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