Interview questions for chef
Introduction- Who is Chef Julio Rocha?
My name is Julio Rocha and I am the Executive Chef for Fuel Station at Proactive Sports Performance Westlake village. I was born and raised in Northern California and moved to Southern California when I was 15 years old. My love for food began with my mom, who is a well traveled chef. Along with my mom showing me some traditional home cooked meals, I had the privilege to work with a few great chefs who passed down their knowledge of the culinary arts. Every day since starting my culinary career at the age of 17, I have been learning different techniques that are molding me into the chef I am today.
What inspires you?
The most rewarding compliment a chef can get is when a person tells you that your cooking takes them to a happy place. The Thanksgiving of 2023 I was fortunate to work with an organization and I was given the opportunity to cook for 500 families in need. Doing more charity work and using my craft to help others in need inspires me to do more. One day I would like to pass down my knowledge of the culinary arts to my son.
What is a typical day at Herbalife24 Fueling Station?
On a typical Monday morning I get to work at 4:30 am, look over the meal prep client list for the week, and get breakfast ready for clients, trainers, and staff. While getting the clients orders set up, I get the specials of the day ready, which includes a breakfast, lunch, and dinner. As well as getting them ready for the week.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is seeing my regulars and being able to get to know them on a personal level and create a relationship where they enjoy coming to the cafe.
What is the most challenging part of your job?
What is challenging in my job is still being new to cooking for professional athletes and meeting their macrobiotic diet.
What is your favorite meal and why?
My favorite meal is scrambled eggs with bacon and toast, with a side of homemade salsa. Growing up, on our summer vacations, my siblings and I were left alone to cook for ourselves while our parents worked. The easiest thing I could cook for myself was scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast. It’s a very nostalgic meal for me.
Favorite Herbalife product?
My favorite Herbalife product is the Herbalife 24 Rebuild Strength, vanilla flavor protein powder. I use this product in our protein pancakes, banana nut muffins, and protein balls, all which are very popular in the cafe.
Fun Facts?
- My wife and I welcomed our first baby on August 6, 2023. A baby boy named Julio James Rocha.
- I enjoy traveling to different places and I have been to Singapore, Bahamas’s, and Thailand. I would love to travel more with my family in the future.
- I helped D2Giving cook and provide 500 full Thanksgiving dinners to families in need and I am hoping to do 1,000 this year.