Welcome to the web page for the Lexington Ave. Sophie's Cuban Cuisine restaurant. I'm Mila Luna and all of us here at Sophie's will always do our best to make sure you have a great experience.
In photo: Lexington Ave. Management Gustavo Ramirez Chef & Mila Luna Manager.
The Beginnings
I was introduced to the food industry at an early age. My family sold food from a stand in one of the many markets in Lima Peru where I was born. All the food preparation was done from our kitchen at home and my siblings, cousins, and I would all help mom, my uncles, and my grandma to cook the typical traditional Peruvian plates they sold. I was the youngest and still very little but we each did whatever we could do to help.
My family and I moved to New York in 1990 when I was 7 years old. I had an especially tough time adjusting to my new country and my new home due to my introverted personality, but after about five years I adjusted and now I just love New York! When we started the Sophie’s Cuban Cuisine restaurant, going to work was just plain fun because I got to work with my sisters and my cousin, just like when we were growing up.
Learning The Business
With that first Sophie’s I began a growing process. I got introduced to the customer service aspect of the business and realized that I was still most comfortable in the kitchen, so I began culinary studies at the Art Institute of New York. From there I continued my learning at the Cordon Bleu Restaurant School in Paris, France and became a certified chef. Now that I’ve matured and gained confidence I’m very comfortable working the front of the house and focusing on our guests to ensure their complete satisfaction (but I keep a close watch over our food to be sure that it is always perfect!)
Sophie’s Cuban Cuisine
It was my mother’s dream to be a restaurant owner. She always cooked and sold food every chance she got. Once we had saved enough money to open a restaurant in New York my mom started trying to come up with a great concept. She makes really delicious Peruvian dishes but in the 1990’s Peruvian food wasn’t very popular in New York. Eventually mom noticed that there was a need for good, hearty Latin food in the financial district and she and my sister Sofia thought up the entire Sophie’s concept.
Our Guests
We wanted to create a friendly environment and serve good, tasty food in a bright, clean establishment. Due to the very warm welcome we got and the long lines that formed outside we added prompt and efficient service to our operating philosophy. We have always been “Foodies”. Most of my fondest memories include my family and food, so the quality of the food never changes; we make sure our meals and sandwiches are always fresh and delicious while keeping an affordable range of prices.
We treat everyone with respect and are proud that most of our guests have been visiting us for years while new guests keep joining us every day.