Chef Roger
Chef Roger
Meet Chef Roger – A Journey from León to Global Flavor
Chef Roger is a native of León, Nicaragua, where his passion for food began at an early age. While other children played in the streets and patios of the historic city, Roger could often be found in the kitchen, learning cherished recipes and techniques from his great aunt, parents, and extended family. He found joy in helping prepare meals for both family gatherings and political events, laying the foundation for a lifelong culinary journey.
Amid the backdrop of the Nicaraguan Civil War, his family relocated to Los Angeles, California, where Roger was introduced to a rich tapestry of international cuisines. This new cultural landscape expanded his palate and deepened his appreciation for global flavors. Inspired, he began experimenting with dishes from around the world.
Roger pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Latin American Studies at UC Berkeley, where he developed a particular passion for Iberian cuisine. He then followed his culinary calling by enrolling at Le Cordon Bleu in Pasadena, graduating with top honors.
With a strong foundation in classical French culinary training, Chef Roger expanded his expertise across a diverse range of international cuisines, including Thai, Ethiopian, Middle Eastern, Spanish, French, Cuban, Mexican.
To further enhance his skills, he completed pastry training at the Los Angeles-West Valley Occupational Center’s Culinary Program. His dedication to Iberian cuisine also led him to postgraduate studies at the prestigious Basque Culinary Center in San Sebastián, Spain.
Roger and his partner are the proud co-owners of Split Bean Coffee, a micro coffee roaster specializing in single-origin coffees and artisan gourmet sweets. Their company has gained notable recognition, having been featured in prestigious publications such as:
The Wall Street Journal
The Washington Times
The Los Angeles Times
The New York Times
Gourmet Magazine
Westways Magazine
And various international newspapers.
In addition to running his business, Chef Roger is deeply committed to giving back. He supports local charities in Los Angeles and is an active member of La Peña Andaluza en California, a cultural organization that celebrates Spanish heritage.
A passionate Flamenco enthusiast, Roger is often found in the kitchen accompanied by the vibrant sounds of Spanish guitar. His travel interests span Latin America, France, England, Italy, Spain, and Portugal. When not cooking, he enjoys biking and rollerblading along the Southern California coast or taking weekend food trips to Arizona, Northern California, Florida, and North Carolina to explore regional cuisines.
In May 2015, Chef Roger was selected from more than 2,000 applicants to participate in the Spanish television hit Los Descendientes de Andalucía. During the show, he traveled across southern Spain, reconnecting with his Spanish roots, learning local recipes, and cooking with grandmothers from the region. The series went on to become the highest-rated summer program in Andalusia.
Chef Roger also regularly appears on Telemundo’s Acceso Total, where he shares his signature recipes with a national audience. He has made guest appearances on KTLA, NBC, Univision, Canal Sur (Spain), and other media platforms.