Born and raised in Valencia, Venezuela, Chef Alberto Padrón's culinary journey began 20 years ago in his family's kitchen, where he learned the art of creating heartfelt, homemade meals. His passion for cooking led him to pursue formal training at the Centro de Estudios Gastronómicos in Venezuela, where he graduated with honors. After establishing a successful catering business, he reluctantly left Venezuela due to the country's political and economic turmoil. He found a new home in Birmingham, AL. Chef Alberto honed his craft as Sous Chef at The Club, a fine dining establishment, before joining the Pihakis Restaurant Group as a culinary manager for Tasty Town for almost 2 years and today he is the Catering Executive Chef for UAB Campus Dining . He brings a unique blend of fresh flavors and modern culinary techniques to his roles. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Chef Alberto is known for his love of cooking classic Venezuelan dishes like Arepas and Empanadas for friends and family. As a testament to his dedication to sharing his culinary heritage, he aspires to introduce Birmingham to the vibrant flavors of Venezuela, using local fresh ingredients and products.