Interview with chef Nayra Rufo of Parque Romántico Restaurant | MUR Hotels

Hello Nayra, thank you for having us. We'd like to start on a personal note, to learn a little more about you:

Where does your passion for cooking come from?
Nayra Rufo: My family's influence and my perception of the act of cooking have been very important. Since I was little, I've always helped my grandmother and mother cook, and they love it. They passed on to me a very important legacy: understanding cooking as an act of sharing, serving, and generating emotions. Research and creativity have also influenced my passion for cooking. Knowing the ingredients and being able to transform them, as well as developing techniques applied to each process, seems fascinating to me.

Restaurant Parque Romántico has grown in fame and reputation in recent years. What would you say is the secret?
Nayra Rufo: I would say that the good work of the entire team is the key to its smooth operation. Understanding that guests who visit us don't just come to eat and drink but to enjoy a warm, family-like atmosphere is one of our fundamental pillars.

What does Parque Romántico Restaurant mean to you and your team?
Nayra Rufo: For us, Parque Romántico represents a daily commitment of passion, dedication, and responsibility. It has undoubtedly been a great opportunity to grow our professional and personal qualities.

What has the world of cooking or Parque Romántico Restaurant taught you/contributed to you?
Nayra Rufo: Professionally, I continue to consolidate my cooking style, feeding many customers who leave grateful for the experience. I continue to bring culinary ideas to life that bring me great satisfaction, and I share knowledge with my colleagues. I've learned to lead lines of work with my team and allow myself to delegate.

What is the signature dish on your current menu?
Nayra Rufo: The garden tomato epitomizes the characteristics that define us as traditional cuisine with modern touches.

How important is the team in a kitchen of this caliber?
Nayra Rufo: It's very important, since the restaurant's success depends on a well-coordinated team. An example of this is that during service, we hardly ever talk, but we all know exactly what the other person is doing.

As a curious reader, what goes on behind the scenes of service at Restaurante Parque Romántico?
Nayra Rufo: A lot of professionalism, dedication, passion, and commitment to the customers who come to visit us.

Let's talk about you outside the kitchen. What do you enjoy when you're not cooking?
Nayra Rufo: I enjoy being with my family, since those of us who work in this profession spend little time with them.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?
Nayra Rufo: Passing on my way of understanding cooking to future generations of cooks through my creations, with an emphasis on culinary research.

Finally, some advice for those who read us and enjoy cooking at home.
Nayra Rufo: The advice I would give to those who enjoy cooking is to always keep in mind that it's an act of love and generosity. You don't have to be a professional cook to make a good stew; you just have to put love, interest, and dedication into it.