Katrina Pagán, the talented pastry chef at the Ritz-Carlton Atlanta, is redefining the dessert offerings of one of the South’s most prestigious kitchens by weaving her rich Puerto Rican heritage into every creation.
“Inconscientemente lo hago,” Pagán shares with a warm smile, reflecting her deep-seated connection to her roots. “Even if I don’t plan it, there’s always a little piece of Puerto Rico in what I make. It just comes naturally.”
Hailing from San Juan, Pagán grew up in an environment where cooking served as a cherished language of love and family bonding. Her sweetest memories include cooking alongside her father amidst the communal warmth and diverse flavors that characterize Puerto Rican cuisine.
“That’s typical in Puerto Rico,” she notes warmly. “You’re always with your family. Always cooking, always sharing.”
With nearly two decades of experience with the Ritz-Carlton brand under her belt, including noteworthy stints in the Cayman Islands, Pagán ventured to Atlanta six years ago in search of professional growth. However, she found herself completely enamored with the vibrant city.
“I always say Atlanta adopted me,” she expresses. “I never thought I’d end up here, but it’s become my home. It’s a city that has helped me become the best version of myself, not just as a pastry chef, but as a Boricua.”
The welcoming atmosphere in Atlanta has provided Pagán with the ideal platform to flourish, both professionally and culturally. Her Puerto Rican heritage is palpable in her desserts, seen in creations inspired by piña colada or infused with coquito for holiday celebrations.
Indeed, she refers to these cultural infusions as her own personal touch, likening them to an Easter egg — subtle notes hidden within her pastries that hold significant meaning to her personally. “Sometimes it’s like an Easter egg,” she muses. “Something only I know is there. But it’s there. I feel it. It’s mine.”
Carrying her Puerto Rican identity close to her heart, Pagán treasures the small charm of the island that adorns her necklace. “It means everything,” she articulates, highlighting her fondness for her accent that carries the melodic tones of the Caribbean.
When people inquire about her origins, Pagán is eager to share her vibrant homeland with them. “People always ask me where I’m from, and I love it. It gives me a chance to talk about Puerto Rico, to share it with people who may not know what it looks like or what it tastes like.”
This passion translates into meaningful interactions with her guests, colleagues, and every plate that gracefully exits her kitchen. For Pagán, this culinary approach transcends mere influence; it embodies a cultural responsibility she holds dear, invoking pride and joy.
“I want people to know that Puerto Rico is bright, beautiful, rich in flavor and soul,” she emphasizes. “And if they don’t know, then I’ll show them. I’ll tell them. I’ll feed them.”
In Atlanta, a city celebrated for its cultural diversity and interactions, Pagán continues her noble mission by sharing the essence of Puerto Rico one delightful dessert at a time.
image source from：https://discoveratlanta.com/stories/arts-culture/katrina-pagan/
