Hidden Gems: Meet Pedro Jesus Porras Gonzalez of Saberico LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Pedro Jesus Porras Gonzalez.

Hi Pedro Jesus, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I am Pedro Porras, a Spanish chef from Córdoba, trained in Spain with a background in fine dining and Michelin-starred restaurants. After years of working across Europe and traveling through South America, I arrived in the United States with the desire to share authentic Spanish cuisine rooted in tradition, memory, and connection.

Now based in Atlanta, I have been slowly building my culinary project, SABERICO, through private dinners, live paella experiences, tapas events, and collaborations with local communities and businesses. Step by step, my work is becoming recognized by American audiences who appreciate not only the authenticity of the food, but also the cultural experience behind it.

For me, cooking is more than preparing a meal. It is a way to bring people together around the table, to share stories, and to create moments of connection through Spanish flavors, fire, and hospitality. My journey in Atlanta represents a bridge between my Spanish roots and a city that continues to welcome new culinary experiences.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it has definitely not been a smooth road. Moving to the United States and building a business from the ground up has required a lot of adaptation, patience, and resilience. Beyond the practical challenges of opening a company in a new country, one of the hardest parts has been trying to build a culinary identity in a place where Spanish cuisine is still not deeply understood.

For me, it has not only been about cooking; it has also been about educating people and helping them understand what authentic Spanish food really is. Sharing my culture in a way that is honest, respectful, and true to its roots has been challenging, especially when many people have a very limited idea of what Spanish cuisine means.

But little by little, I feel that people are beginning to understand and appreciate it. One of the greatest compliments I receive is when someone tastes my paella and tells me it is the best paella they have ever had — even people who have traveled to Valencia, where paella comes from, have said that to me. Hearing those words and seeing people’s happiness when they experience the food is incredibly meaningful. It reminds me why I do this and makes all the difficult parts of the journey feel worthwhile.

We’ve been impressed with Saberico LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At SABERICO, I create authentic Spanish culinary experiences rooted in tradition, fire, and connection. My work focuses on private dinners, live paella experiences, tapas events, corporate gatherings, and cultural food experiences throughout Atlanta.

I specialize in traditional Spanish cuisine, especially paella cooked live on-site, tapas, and menus inspired by the food I grew up with in Spain. I am known for bringing a real Spanish experience to the table — not just serving food, but creating an atmosphere where people can gather, talk, watch the cooking process, and feel connected to the culture behind each dish.

What sets SABERICO apart is authenticity. I was born in Córdoba, Spain, trained in Spanish kitchens, and worked in fine dining and Michelin-starred restaurants before bringing my work to Atlanta. I do not try to adapt Spanish food into something unrecognizable. My goal is to represent it with respect, technique, and honesty, while still making it warm and approachable for American guests.

One of the things I am most proud of is the way people respond when they experience my food. Many guests tell me that these are flavors they cannot find in any other restaurant in Atlanta. Some say it feels like eating in Spain — not only because of the dishes, but because of the honesty, simplicity, and soul behind the food. For me, that is the greatest compliment, because it means the food is communicating something real.

I want readers to know that SABERICO is more than a catering company. It is a way of sharing Spanish culture through food, storytelling, and hospitality. Whether it is an intimate dinner, a live paella event, or a larger celebration, my goal is always the same: to create a memorable experience that feels authentic, generous, and full of life.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I have learned is that I cannot separate my food from my identity. When I first started building my business in the United States, I felt a lot of pressure to adapt, simplify, or explain Spanish cuisine in a way that would be easier for people to understand. But over time, I realized that the strongest part of my brand is being honest about who I am and where I come from.

Authenticity takes patience. Not everyone understands it immediately, especially when they are not familiar with the culture behind the food. But I have learned that when you stay consistent, people begin to recognize the difference. They can taste when something is made with respect, technique, and heart.

This journey has also taught me resilience. Building a business in a new country is not easy, and there have been many moments of doubt. But every event, every conversation, and every person who connects with my food reminds me why I continue. The lesson is to trust my roots, keep educating through my work, and never lose the meaning behind what I cook.

Pricing:

• Live Paella Experiences: Starting around $30–$40 per person, depending on the type of paella and event size.
• Tapas + Paella Experiences: Typically starting around $70 – $85 per person, including a selection of tapas and one live paella.
• Private Chef Dinners: Custom pricing Multi-course dinners are designed individually based on the occasion, from $160 to $200 per person, menu, number of guests, and level of service.
• Corporate Events, Residential Events & Celebrations: Custom proposals available Pricing depends on guest count, menu selection, event format, staffing needs, and location

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.saberico.us
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saberico.us
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61583625671473