Welcome to the new culinary hub for LaTropiKitchen, where Caribbean flavors meet creativity and tradition. We’re more than just a coffee shop and eatery – we’re a space for community building and culinary exploration. With an always-changing menu that celebrates the vibrant food traditions of the Caribbean and Latin America, we serve fresh, authentic dishes made with love and passion. We are a culinary studio, a place for gastronomic exploration, special events, and gatherings of food lovers, creatives, and curious minds. We are el patio de la casa, that place where you gather and get el juicy chisme del dia, try your tia’s cooking, hang your clothes out to dry, or sit down to have your cafecito and dream your dreams away!
WE ARE THE PUTI-AGENCY!
STEPHANIE BONNIN
Caribbean born and raised, Stephanie is famously known for La TopiKitchen. Trained at the Institute of Culinary Education and Basque Culinary Center along with some of the best kitchens in NYC and by mentors worldwide, Stephanie brought life to Patio Tropical as her new hub, café and culinary studio, fostering community through unique gastronomic expressions, folklore and gozadera.
MIGUEL VALENZUELA
Mexican born and raised, a real jack of all trades. Our enthusiastic in-house barista and front-of-house extraordinaire, Miguel welcomes our guests and delivers warm service. Hugs, glam and bigotes included.
ALEJANDRO ENCISO "GORDO FOOD"
Our loving and talented sous chef and kitchen lead. Trained in pastry and as a baker, Alejandro devotes his energy to making Patio Tropical a really tasty and sweet place to eat. Dependable and joyful to have around.
BRAULIO ZENTENO
Braulio comes to Patio Tropical as the lighting designer and director of ambiance. Watch the space transform from a lush and lighthearted fun daylit atrium to an intimate and mesmerizing candle-lit evening show. Often seen claiming ladders.
LAS COOKIES
The most well-fed hosts and the heart and soul of Patio Tropical. Las cookies are our lovely bonded couple Lola and Maya. Supporting our efforts since day one and occasionally requesting a brief walk to tell everyone outside about this cool place.
PABLO BONNIN
Pablo helps out with everything that’s not really cooking related, so mostly administration and with everything else that needs to get done, like washing dishes, taking out the trash or tasting new recipes.
ARIEL MILLAMAN
Ariel is an acclaimed Chilean chef coming to Patio Tropical from Japan as a culinary consultant. With diverse expertise Ariel has helped round out our sometimes jagged edges. A wonderful mix of humor and discipline helps get things done.
ERNESTO ROMAN
Señor Roman joined the team as our beloved in-house photographer and digital media lead. Sharing his highly developed eye for beauty to show the world the carefully designed and executed work we do everyday.
