Roberto Cruz Cotto was born in Ponce. Puerto Rico and was fascinated by the culinary arts from a very young age. Inspired by his mother's cooking - which has always been his passion - he watched her make her meals with delight. His fervor for cooking was so great that he left after school to help his friend who was in charge of a restaurant, El Patriota, in the city of his birth and was given the opportunity to master his skills at this quaint eatery in the principal cooking style of puerto Rico - Creole cuisine or "cocina criolla". His travels soon led him to New Jersey where he began to work and develop in other areas, but always with the hope of being able to cook one day. After many sacrifices and much work running a successful food stand he is close to seeing his dream realized. In November 2020 Roberto will realize this vision as he opens Robertitos Cuisine, 177 S. Centre, at the Circle, in our beautiful town, Merchantville NJ. How lucky all of us will be to enjoy his mofongos and carne frita! Welcome, Chef Roberto! Visit his Facebook page to check out their menu.