Today we’d like to introduce you to Makenric Vil.
Hi Makenric, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
my love for food started at home, where Haitian flavors were always the center of family and community. food wasn’t just about eating –it was about culture, comfort and connection. teaching myself how to cook, I carried roots with me while experimenting with new flavors and creating dishes that honor tradition while bringing something fresh to the table.
the journey hasn’t been easy. I’ve faced challenges, long hours in school, setbacks, but each obstacle made me stronger and sharpened my skills, what keeps me going is the joy of seeing people come together over my food –whether it’s soulful Haitian dishes or creative fusions that tell a story
Today, I’m proud of how far I’ve come, but i know this is just the beginning. My story is proof that with passion ,persistence. and pride in your culture ,you can create your own lane and shine in it.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. when i first started out ,i didn’t have all the resources, connections, or support that many people in this industry take for granted. there were times when i had to work with very little, and i had to teach myself how to make the most of what I had.
one of the biggest obstacles was simply being patient with the process, success in this in this field doesn’t happen overnight, it takes consistency. sacrifice, and a lot of faith. looking back now, I’m grateful for the struggles because they gave me drive creativity, and resilience that define who I am today
balancing long hours, financial struggles, and the pressure to prove myself wasn’t easy. there were moments of self-doubt where i wondered if i should give up. but every setback became a lesson, and every challenge pushed me to grow not just as a chef but as a person
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a chef who specializes in Haitian and soulful cuisine, often blending those flavors with other cultures to create something unique. what I’m most proud of is being able to share my roots through food and seeing the joy it brings to people. what sets me apart is my ability to honor tradition while still pushing boundaries–every dish I create is meant to leave a lasting impression, not just on the taste buds, but on the heart
whether it’s catering an event, developing new recipes, or sharing my food with the community, i put passion into every detail. for me it’s just not about feeding people it’s about the creating the experience
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
what i like best about our city is the culture and diversity. Orlando is full of different people, flavors and ideas, and that inspires me as a chef. there’s always something new experience, and the sense of community here is special
what I like least about my city is that sometimes smaller businesses and hidden gems don’t always get the spotlight they deserve. there’s so much talent and creativity in the city that can go unnoticed. that’s why I’m passionate about contributing to the food scene and helping bring more attention to the culture and voices that makes Orlando unique
Contact Info:
- Instagram: chef_makenric_vil
- Facebook: chef_makenric_vil
Image Credits
fusion fest orlando
