By El Mundo staff
Boston – An honors graduate of Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Boston, Freddy Eliezer Urena has broken barriers with his delectable cuisine. He is the chef for the royal family of the United Arab Emirates and at 33-years-old feels he has conquered the world with his culinary skills.
Passion for culinary arts runs through his blood. His father is an artist in the kitchen specializing in seafood. His mother is an excellent cook in her own right.
Freddy talks about when he began studying “I had a few spats with Mami because I’d challenge her to see who was the better cook. She did not like how I’d supervise what she was making.”
For Freddy, his dream is to become one of the most influential chefs on the international culinary scene. For now, each country he visits represents a challenge, a culinary experience which stimulates his palatable senses.
Although he is Dominican, he considers himself a Bostonian because he has spent almost half of his life in the city. Freddy emigrated from his native country at 17 to Boston, which opened its doors for him to study and work.
He had a lot of dreams, but on April 8, 2013 they became reality when he was accepted at Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Boston. Two years later, he was the top graduate in his class and the school, graduating Magna Cum Laude and with perfect attendance.
On graduation day, Boston Mayor Martin Walsh and Boston City Council recognized Urena for his academic achievement, an honor which will be kept in the archives of Boston City Hall.
His life changed when he did a six-month internship at Bonalba Hotel in Alicante, Spain. He learned Spanish cooking techniques under the direction of master rice cooker Don Antonio, especially the traditional Spanish Paella. “It was a very enriching experience,” he said.
There, he had the opportunity to meet an Arab diplomat who was visiting and had rented the kitchen at one of the prestigious hotels in the city. The diplomat asked Urena to cook for the royal family of the United Arab Emirates to taste his scrumptious dishes. It was here that Urena’s luck changed.
The selection process which started in the United States lasted more than six months. In November 2014, he was invited for 10 days to Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates located about an hour from Dubai, so he could learn about the country’s culture and geography.
This February he was formally asked to join the team of international chefs which prepares the daily meals for the royal family and their guests. In March, he signed a contract for an indefinite period and Freddy subsequently moved to Abu Dhabi.
“It was various factors and a stroke of luck to be at the right place and to meet the right person. The Arabic diplomat saw my achievements as a student, my social development and wanted to be associated with me,” he said.
Freddy said of living in the United Arab Emirates: “It’s not difficult, it’s different and very hot.” Temperatures can rise up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit during summer days. He said he feels good living in the city since he lives in a secure and quiet area. For Freddy working for the monarchy is an enriching experience and a daily challenge to create new dishes. “What they like most of the Latino cuisine is ceviche, in addition to tostones, Spanish paella and pico de gallo salsa,” he said.
Freddy works alongside a group of 20 people, just in the kitchen alone. There are more than 120 employees including butlers, drivers, maids and others who provide other services to the monarchs. Freddy feels very proud of not only exalting his country’s flag in a foreign land, but to also represent Boston and it’s Hispanic community.
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