Christian Santiago grew up in a large Italian and Puerto Rican family in which cuisine and culture were a part of everyday life. Some of his fondest memories took place in the kitchen, where he learned the importance of cooking with his family.
After completing his education from the Culinary Institute of America, Christian received special certification as a ProChef Level II and began his career as a sous chef. Christian then spent many years cooking in the Hudson Valley of New York state, where he learned the importance of cooking sustainable food with seasonal ingredients.
In 2016, Christian’s career brought him to Raleigh. He fell in love with North Carolina and its culinary scene, and so decided he would make a name for himself here in Raleigh.
Christian is excited to showcase his diverse culinary techniques and deliver laughter, culture, and a relentless drive for perfection through the menu at Otra Vez.