Marcelino Rancaño IV

Executive Chef / General Manager
Favorite Food: Ropa Vieja Chimichanga, Peruvian Rice Bowl

Chef Marcelino Rancano is the Executive Chef for Rafiki Tiki Bar & Grill, a popular restaurant and Tiki bar that specializes in Floribbean cuisine. Marcelino was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, but he spent most of his childhood in Puerto Rico, where he developed a passion for cooking.

From a young age, Marcelino showed interest in the kitchen, and he would often cook alongside his mother and grandmother. He learned a lot from them about the traditional dishes of Puerto Rico and Cuba, and he quickly developed a deep understanding and appreciation for Latin cuisine.

After finishing high school, Marcelino decided to pursue his passion for cooking professionally. He enrolled in culinary school and graduated with honors. He began his professional chef career at a 5-star resort in Florida, where he worked as a banquet chef.

Over the years, Marcelino has lived in several different countries, including Venezuela, Argentina, and Brazil. In each of these places, he has learned and mastered the traditional cuisines, and he has developed a reputation for his delicious and authentic Latin dishes.

As the Executive Chef for Rafiki Tiki Bar & Grill, Marcelino specializes in Floribbean cuisine, which combines the flavors of Florida with the Caribbean. He has a passion for creating custom menus that are tailored to each client’s specific needs and preferences, and he is known for his ability to deliver delicious and authentic Latin dishes to any event.

In addition to being the restaurants Executive Chef, Marcelino has also gained a lot of experience in catering large events during his career. He has a passion for creating custom menus that are tailored to each client’s specific needs and preferences. He prides himself on his ability to deliver delicious and authentic Latin dishes to any event.

Overall, Marcelino Rancano is a highly skilled and experienced chef with a deep passion for Latin cuisine. He has dedicated his career to perfecting the traditional dishes of Puerto Rico and Cuba, and he continues to draw on the knowledge and experience he gained from his mother and grandmother to create delicious and authentic Latin dishes at Rafiki Tiki Bar & Grill.