About me
Nice to finally meet you! My Name is Giovanni Gonzalez, I am a 25 year old human who loves to share stories about the countries I’ve had the honor to visit, the people I’ve had the privilege to meet and the all the amazing food in between . Raised by two loving and caring parents who also have 51 years of cooking experience between them! Growing up in a Mexican household, there was always a certain atmosphere around the kitchen that I gravitated towards. My grandma would often have me watch her cook as she prepared dinner for my grandpa and to keep me from causing any damage to her house, she supplied me with freshly made Pico de Gallo.
Flash forward to the present, I’ve been professionally cooking for 6 years in some of the best local restaurants; Kawa Ni, Walrus Alley, Birchwood CC, Spotted Horse, The Fayerweather Yacht Club and my parents first restaurant, The Taste Garden. My entire perspective on food was changed the moment I entered, probably the smallest kitchen EVER, Kawa Ni . It was where I finally broke out of my shell and began finding my own voice in a professional kitchen. Every week I was being introduced to new produce, cooking methods, and textures. I was absolutely blown away! I held down the Krudo station, cutting delicate pieces of hamachi, and plating beautiful caneles of tuna on nigiris. During down time, we would often workshop future menus occasionally collaborating with the entire kitchen to create one single perfect dish. Working under Bill Taibe, you get a different sense for what it feels like to be a chef . I will always remember the respect chef Taibe has for food and the capacity for creativity in which is expressed on the final plate .
I started La Mesa to bring people together. I believe that some of the best moments in life happen at the dinner table. The kitchen is where people can connect with existing and passed loved ones, an incredible space where people can learn to express themselves in new ways. Through the classes I teach, I hope to pass on my knowledge, passion for cultures, and appreciation for food. Nothing is more important to me than sharing and giving back. Every month La Mesa LLC will host multiple fundraiser events to donate towards local non profit organizations. I believe that giving back to our community and always looking to help others is what makes me human. I encourage everyone to find their inner chef and to always be kind to one another.
Love,
Giovanni Gonzalez
Our Projects
Giving Back
La Mesa plans to continuously help local non-profit organizations by holding sponsored fundraisers. All profits go directly towards the organization for whatever they need to continue their amazing work.
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La Mesa can host cooking workshops, pizza fundraisers, and much more! Email Us for future fundraising collaborations!
Inmate Program
In the coming years we want to develop a second chance opportunity program, allowing early release inmates a chance to develop proper kitchen skills. With intent to bring motivation to stay on the right path while transitioning into civilian life, once again.
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We believe that everyone should have the right to developing proper kitchen skills. La Mesa wants to be able to enter local prison facilities to teach and cook with early release inmates. All food made on the premise would be sent to local food drives. With the help from local restaurants, this will increase the chances of employment after re-entry into civilian life.
Work With Kids
La Mesa is currently working with DCF in order to implement after school cooking programs
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After school cooking programs allows for kids to experience a new level of engagement and curiosity. La Mesa has developed a summer cooking program with R’ Kids Family Center Of New Haven. This 7 week program will help teach our youth on how to slowly become more self reliant and slowly take on more responsibilities.