Born on July 25th, 1978, in Jamaica Queens, New York, Chef Cartagena was raised by immigrant Dominican parents who arrived in the United States at the ages of 8 and 13. Immersed in a family deeply tied to serving the country, almost his entire paternal side served in Vietnam, instilling in him a profound pride and commitment to the United States of America. After graduating high school, Chef Cartagena answered the call to continue this legacy, enlisting in the US Army to honor his family's history of service. Following his dedicated military service, he pursued a passion for the culinary arts, embarking on a journey that would fuse his love for cooking with the structured discipline of his military past.

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Finding a home in the rigid, yet creative environment of professional kitchens, Chef Cartagena was drawn to the precision and teamwork that mirrored his experiences in the military. There, the mission was twofold: nourishing people and crafting culinary masterpieces, each day a new creative challenge.

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Chef Cartagena's culinary voyage expanded beyond the kitchen walls. Excelling as a chef for yacht charters, he honed his craft in diverse cuisines while mastering the nuances of sea-to-table dining. His love for fishing became an integral part of his culinary identity, further enhancing his expertise in crafting unparalleled dining experiences that seamlessly integrated his catch with his gastronomic creations.

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Driven by a desire to share his expertise and passion, Chef Cartagena envisioned C5 Culinary as a platform to empower aspiring chefs. His journey, marked by resilience and transformation, embodies a steadfast dedication to sharing the transformative power of food. Beyond offering exceptional dining experiences, C5 Culinary serves as a nurturing ground for new culinary talent, providing opportunities for growth and a community built on resilience, inspiration, and the artistry of exceptional cuisine.