About Us
ALMA de España
- Soul of Spain -
Chef Elier Rodriguez
The creator of ALMA de España
From the sun-soaked countryside of Cuba to the kitchens of Michelin-starred restaurants across the United States, Elier Rodriguez's journey is one seasoned with passion, heritage, and relentless pursuit of culinary excellence.
Chef & Owner Elier
Born and raised in Cuba, Elier discovered his love for cooking at his grandfather’s tobacco farm, where meals were more than food—they were a celebration of culture and community.
The heart of those gatherings was his beloved grandmother, Cacha, a woman of Spanish and African descent who cooked with soul, memory, and love. Her kitchen was Elier's first classroom. He learned to roll empanadas, fry croquettes to golden perfection, and infuse oxtail with deep, comforting flavors. Spanish spices like smoked paprika, saffron, and ras el hanout filled the air, imprinting a lifelong memory on his young senses.
By 19, Elier knew his future lay in the kitchen. He moved to the United States and enrolled at Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Atlanta. There, the values of discipline, refinement, and mastery took root, shaping the chef he would become.
The Journey
His career began in high style with roles at prestigious properties like the Ritz-Carlton Atlanta and the iconic Fontainebleau Miami Beach, a culinary landmark that has hosted legends from Frank Sinatra to James Bond. But it was Las Vegas that became a transformative chapter in Elier’s life.
Over seven years in the culinary capital, Elier honed his craft in the world of fine dining. At Picasso Las Vegas, a two-Michelin-star Spanish restaurant, he spent two pivotal years learning the precision and creativity that would define his style. He continued to refine his expertise at Le Cirque Las Vegas, one of the world’s most acclaimed French fine dining establishments.
In 2017, he helped open Del Mar in Washington, D.C., under the celebrated Michelin-awarded chef Fabio Trabocchi. The restaurant, with its devotion to Spanish coastal cuisine, felt like a return to Elier’s roots. From there, his journey took him to Petrossian West Hollywood in California as Sous Chef, and then back to D.C. to help open Dolce Vita, a Mediterranean concept.
Crisscrossing the country, Elier never stopped learning, never stopped cooking, and never lost sight of his dream. In Santa Barbara, he left his mark at Loquita, an authentic Spanish restaurant that became a reflection of his heritage and experience.
ALMA de España
is coming to life!
Now, after two decades of culinary exploration and excellence, Elier is bringing his dream to life. Inspired by the memory of his grandmother Cacha and the soulful meals that shaped his youth, he is opening his first restaurant: ALMA de España – Soul of Spain.
Set in the charming city of Sarasota, Florida, ALMA de España is more than a restaurant. It is a tribute to his past, a celebration of Spanish heritage, and a love letter to the soulful flavors that have followed him from Cuba to California.
Welcome to ALMA de España. Welcome to the soul of Elier’s story.
Soft Opening June 1st 2025!