Patricio Sandoval

Practically a gourmand from birth, Mercadito executive chef and owner Patricio Sandoval almost seems genetically engineered for a culinary life.

Born on June 16, 1974 in Acapulco, Mexico, Sandoval virtually grew up in the kitchens of his father Manuel Sandoval’s world class restaurant Madeiras.� After moving to California to attend high school, Sandoval moved to New York City and began working with his older brother Richard, who also followed in the family’s culinary footsteps with his own restaurant, Maya.� It was while working alongside his brother that Sandoval discovered his passion for cooking.

Although his brother was aware of his potential, Sandoval started on the “ground floor” of the restaurant business – eventually working his way from an apprentice in 1998 to sous chef.� After moving back to California to help his brother set up Maya in San Francisco in 1999 and working as a sous chef at Hawthorne Lane in 2000, Sandoval decided that it was time to seriously train as a chef.� Returning to New York City, he enrolled in the French Culinary Institute and further refined his skills while working with Peter Hoffman at the legendary Savoy in 2000.� Upon graduating from the French Culinary Institute, Sandoval returned to the Savoy but was eventually tapped by his brother Richard to act as a consulting chef for his latest restaurant, Pampano, in 2004.� It was during this time that Sandoval began to consider opening his own restaurant.

Sandoval’s inspiration for Mercadito drew from his experiences shopping with his mother in the markets of his native Mexico.� The young Sandoval instinctively gravitated towards the small market stalls where local merchants sold native delicacies that fueled a day of bargaining.� Never forgetting these delectable yet uncomplicated dishes, Sandoval strived to capture the flavor and energy of this cuisine with his first culinary offering.� According to many, Sandoval exceeded his goal with Mercadito.

Sandoval’s latest restaurant, an upscale taqueria named Mercadito Cantina will open in the summer of 2008.

New York City Wine & Food Festival/Terra USA