Emerson Rodríguez
Executive Chef | Culinary Consultant | Founder of Home’s Chef
Originally from San José, Costa Rica, Emerson Rodríguez is a distinguished chef with over a decade of experience in the fine-dining sector. His culinary journey began under the mentorship of a family member, leading him to his first professional role within a prestigious international hotel chain. Starting as a kitchen assistant, Emerson mastered the fundamentals before refining his craft under the tutelage of world-renowned and Michelin-starred chefs.
His career is defined by a versatile leadership style, having spearheaded eight restaurant openings and managed everything from concept and recipe development to full operational direction. Beyond his corporate success, he is the founder of Home’s Chef, a premier catering and “chef’s table” service operating across Costa Rica.
Currently, Emerson is part of the elite team at The Ritz-Carlton Reserve Nekajui, working within the signature restaurant of acclaimed Peruvian chef Diego Muñoz. In this role, he continues to push the boundaries of avant-garde cuisine and traditional Peruvian techniques, maintaining the highest standards of culinary precision.
Professional Experience
- Hotel Ritz-Carlton Reserve Nekajui, Guanacaste | Cold Food Chef & Line Manager | 2025 – Present
- Coco Loco Restaurant, Flamingo Beach | Sous Chef | 2024
- Zapotal Golf & Beach Club | Cook B | 2024
- Hotel El Mangroove | Cook A | 2023 – 2024
- Latin Fusion Restaurant | Head Chef (Opening Team) | 2022
- Hotel Lavas del Ocotal | Professional Services Consultant | 2022
- Hotel Palma Real | Cook A | 2021 – 2022
- ICODER (National Games) | Head Kitchen Chef | 2021
- Hotel Marriott Los Sueños | Kitchen Assistant | 2018 – 2019
Education & Certifications
Master Cuisine WFRS Latin America | World Federation of the Restaurant Sport / Essential Association of Cooks & Chefs of Costa Rica | 2025
Bachelor of Science and Letters | Liceo de Costa Rica | 2014
Specialized Training:
Nutrition Course for Chefs (WFRS) | 2025
Italian Culinary Arts | Hotel El Mangroove | 2023
Banquet University & Service Excellence Seminars | Marriott International | 2018
Awards & International Recognition
Mole Fest International: Representative for the International Mole Route in Guatemala (2026) and El Salvador (2025).
Málaga, Spain: Recognized at the Third International Gastronomic Festival, Cómpeta City Council (2025).
Bolivian Gastronomes Fraternity: Recipient of the Chamber of Deputies Recognition and the Potosí Departmental Government Award (2024).
Marriott International: Awarded Kitchen Coordinator Recognition for outstanding leadership (2018).
