About Us
Cuban Mediterranean Bistro
About Us
You never work a day in your life if you love what you do! Some people have never been fortunate enough to find their love but I have been fortunate enough to find it not only once, but three times. My passion as a young man was skiing. I was a competitive downhill mogul skier. When I stopped at the age of 15, it led me to my next two passions as an adult: boxing and cooking – and one led me to the other.

I started my boxing career at the age of sixteen in 2006. I fought as an amateur throughout high school and then turned professional at the age of twenty two in 2012. During my professional career I had to teach myself about nutrition, cooking, and eating healthy. During that time my thirst for knowledge grew in both boxing as well as in cooking, ultimately leading me to culinary school. I attended Star Career Academy in Syosset, New York with two goals in mind: to learn as much as I could in the art of cooking and to graduate at the top of my class. I accomplished both.
My career in the restaurant industry began at the age of fourteen working at McDonald’s and moved on to Friendly’s in Syosset. I remained there for seven years & during that time I was exposed to all the facets of the restaurant business: waiter, line cook, food ordering, and management. I was fortunate to have had an excellent general manager, Tina Forgione, who instilled valuable skills that I continue to use to this very day.
Our Story
Over the Years
2001
Competitive downhill/mogul skier. started skiing at 3 years old. Was once ranked top 25.

2006
Began amateur boxing career – at 16 years old

2012
Began professional boxing career

2014
Graduated from Star Academy for culinary education.

2015
Worked with Michelin Chef Michael Psilakis and Celebrity Chef Michael Ginore

2016
Ended professional boxing career

2017
Worked with Michelin Chef Michele Brigioni (Armani Ristorante) and Celebrity Chef Bobby Flay

2017
Opened Babalu

2018
Signed lease to expand restaurant size

2019
Full expansion of the restaurant began

2020
Meet my Sous Chef David Benitez

2020
Purchased Food Trailer – Babalu Bites Summer of 2020
