In honor of our 30 years at 12 East 12th Street, we’d like to spotlight a few employees that have been with us for more than a decade, some for all three.
JACINTO
Position: Chef de Cuisine
Hired: 1984
From: Apetlaca, Mexico
Favorite Dish: Dry Aged New York Strip
Jacinto grew up in Apetlanca, Mexico, surrounded by 10 brothers and sisters on his family’s farm, where they raised chickens, cows, and a full garden of fresh fruits and vegetables year-round. From an early age, Jacinto was helping his mom in the kitchen, standing alongside her as she cooked and made fresh cheeses. When he was 16, he left for Houston, Texas, where he worked for a landscaping company, a construction company, and a steak house before moving to New York City in 1984 to join his brother and begin working at Gotham as a dishwasher. the following year he returned to Mexico, but after a month at home realized his passion for the culinary world and decided to return permanently to New York City. Once back at Gotham, Jacinto worked every position in the kitchen before he was asked by Alfred to become sous-chef. Hesitant at first, he told Alfred he wasn’t sure, but Alfred insisted. Throughout the years, Jacinto has made his mark on Gotham through countless recipes, his leadership by example, and keeping a calm control as he runs the line at Gotham. His favorite dish is the 28-day dry-aged New York steak.
LATIFE
Position: Service Assistant
Hired: 1984
From: Sylhet, Bangladesh
Favorite Dish: Main Lobster and Braised Short Rib
MARK
Position: Bartender
Hired: 1996
From: San Francisco, CA
Favorite Dish: Too many to list
JANILSON
Position: Captain
Hired: 1999
From: São Paulo, Brazil
Favorite Dish: Rack of Lamb
SANU
Position: Service Assistant
Hired: 1987
From: Sylhet, Bangladesh
Favorite Dish: Tuna Tartare
