PORT ST. LUCIE DINING
Refined and affordable Latin food has made its
way to Port St. Lucie in the form of Dom Rico
Cafe. The task to fuse the flavors of two Hispanic
countries in an area that had not previously
seen such a combination was a bold move. But Dom
Rico’s opening has been well-received by the community.
Since his start in the food industry in 1993, Rafael
Sarzuela dreamed of opening his own restaurant. He
moved from the Dominican Republic to New York City
at age 22 and was employed at several large restaurants,
working his way up from dishwasher to chef. During
his time with the eateries of the Big Apple, Sarzuela said
he worked hard to be the change behind the scenes,
always willing to learn more and put forth 110 percent
of himself.
An immigrant with a family to support, he was unable
to find time and resources to attend culinary school.
At one point, Rafael was working seven days a week in
restaurants, landscaping or other odd jobs.
After he moved to Florida and met his wife, Vicky, she
finally convinced him to attend the Lincoln Culinary Institute
in West Palm Beach where he graduated in 2010.
“I had the support of her and her family, which got me
to the point to start being able to save and plan for our
restaurant,” Sarzuela says. “This is over six years in the
making. It didn’t just happen overnight.”
Sarzuela wanted to combine the two flavors and
cultures he knew best: Dominican, his side, and Puerto
Rican, his wife’s. “Both cultures are very flavorful and
full of life,” he says. “My goal is to showcase both countries’
dishes.” >> Owner Rafael Sarzuela works hard to bring his passion of cooking fresh, Latin
food to the Port Saint Lucie area.
Restaurant-goers enjoy the rich flavors of the Latin dishes Dom Rico Cafe offers in its open and inviting dining space on Port St. Lucie Boulevard.
Port St. Lucie Magazine 35