Today we’d like to introduce you to Marcel Vizcarra.
Hi Marcel, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My name is Marcel Vizcarra, and I’m the chef-owner of Llama Restaurant on Anastasia Island, and Co-Owner operator of Maracuya By Llama (the coffee shop) on Historic West King Street. Born, raised, and trained in Lima, Peru, I came to St. Augustine in 2010 to practice my skills, with the premise of opening a Restaurant in Lima after training at several places. Still, life circumstances dictated otherwise and I opened Llama Restaurant in 2016. I have dedicated all of my effort and love to it since. I was fortunate to get recognition from many platforms and media because here at Llama we offer something unique & it’s more of an experience rather than just dining. I recently opened Maracuya by Llama 3 months ago with my wife Staci Cleveland. It has been a magical ride serving incredible people since we opened our doors at 260 W King St. We like to offer unique flavors in an intimate setting, much like Llama.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Ha- it has been anything but smooth. Obstacles have popped up since the beginning of my training with people who didn’t believe in me, people who didn’t believe in my concept of Llama succeeding in St. Augustine, and the devastating hurricane Matthew that flooded the restaurant 2 weeks after we opened. In addition, Hurricane Irma struck 11 months later, a divorce, a Pandemic, and many other challenges. I learned that with positive thinking and the support of the community and our colleagues, we are still strong and continue to work hard to keep bringing the Llama experience to every guest who sits in our dining room.
Thanks for sharing that. So, you could tell us a bit more about your work.
I have always been a curious cook and very much a risk taker; those two elements help me create. I get my drive from seeing my guests react to the sensory stimuli that we provide with all the elements that we put in front of them. I love seeing the smiles on their faces and how interested and surprised they look with the stories we get to tell them about the food and everything else that comes along the experience. Both at Llama and with the drinks and treats we offer them at Maracuya by Llama, the coffee shop Staci and I recently opened.
Who else deserves credit for your story?
My mother was my first mentor, role model, and right hand until today. My late chef, Hiro Nakagawa, taught me Japanese techniques, discipline, and culinary mystique. And Staci- my wife, my other half, and my partner at Maracuya by Llama.
Pricing:
- Llama 15-52
- Maracuya 2.50-8.50
Contact Info:
- Website: Llamarestaurant.com and maracuyabyllama.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/llama_saintaugustine/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057593253549&mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/YYwjtSWWdws?feature=shared
Image Credits
Melissa Marcarelli, Cole locurto
