Today we’d like to introduce you to Armando Llanes.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
From a young age, I’ve held a deep passion for the culinary world. After completing high school, I made the decision to embark on a culinary career journey. This led me to enroll at Johnson & Wales. However, after a brief semester, I followed my heart’s call and relocated to Managua, Nicaragua, my parents’ home country, to connect with my roots and be closer to my loved ones. Living in Nicaragua for several years was a transformative experience. Later, I took another significant step by joining the Army, where I proudly served for eight years. It was during my final deployment in Kuwait and Iraq that I found myself seeking a creative outlet in the form of cooking. I would fire up barbecues during my free time, and they quickly gained popularity, selling out in minutes.
As I prepared to transition from the military in 2017, my wife recognized my unwavering passion for the culinary arts. She suggested that I explore this passion further through formal education. After conducting research on culinary schools in the Houston area, I discovered the Culinary Institute of Lenotre. There, I not only graduated with honors but also earned two associate degrees in “Culinary Arts” and “Hospitality and Restaurant Management.”
My culinary journey has taken me to remarkable places, including Martha’s Vineyard, MA, and esteemed restaurants like Navy Blue, Federal American Grill, and Pearl & Vine. These experiences enriched my culinary expertise and refined my skills.
In 2021, I took a leap of faith and founded my own personal chef business, “Mando’s Kitchen.” This venture is a joint effort, led by both my wife and me. We are dedicated to sharing our love for food and culinary artistry with others.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Being completely candid, the path I’ve traversed hasn’t always been a straightforward one. I’m a father of two wonderful children, Ilan (9 years old) and Anaya (5 years old). Balancing the responsibilities of being a parent and a husband while working in the culinary world, with its long and exhausting hours, has been quite a challenge. It’s an ongoing process of juggling my schedule to ensure I can spend quality time with my family.
Nevertheless, having my own business has afforded me a significant advantage: the ability to gain more control over my work hours. This newfound flexibility has allowed me to be there for my family when they need me the most, and I cherish those moments.
Of course, there have been instances where self-doubt crept in, as it does for many pursuing their passions. But I consider myself immensely fortunate to have the best clients who consistently offer invaluable feedback and unwavering support. Their trust in my culinary skills has been a tremendous source of motivation and has continually reinforced my confidence in my craft.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Mando’s Kitchen LLC?
Mando’s Kitchen LLC, established in 2021, is a personal chef business that brings the flavors of American, French, and Latin American cuisine to your dining experience. I take immense pride in curating a culinary journey that delights the senses.
Renowned for my signature dishes, which include indulgent Surf and Turf, succulent Smoked Lollipop Drumsticks, and rich Seafood Paellas, I ensure every bite is an exquisite adventure for your palate.
In addition to crafting exceptional dishes, I place a strong emphasis on providing outstanding customer service. Collaboration is at the heart of my approach, as I work closely with each customer to craft bespoke menus that cater to their unique preferences and needs. Your culinary desires are my top priority, and I am dedicated to making each dining experience memorable.
We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I’ve dedicated my time to volunteering at the Houston Food Bank, joined the AIDS walk in Honolulu, HI, and journeyed to Honduras, my wife’s place of birth, to actively contribute to underprivileged communities in need. Giving back and making a positive impact in the lives of others is a personal commitment I hold close to my heart. In a particularly significant gesture, in 2019, I participated in a kidney swap program, donating one of my kidneys.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mandos_kitchen_htx
Image Credits
@nosam_yah
