Freddie Merizalde is a chef at Tessa Farm to Fork Restaurant on Battleground Avenue. Originally from Ecuador, Chef Freddie came to Greensboro 30 years ago as a student in the Interlink Language Program at Guilford College. At the time it was one of four English language institutes where he could study English as an international student. He fell in love with Greensboro and never left. He has worked at Bistro 150 in Oak Ridge and Bert’s Seafood, Cafe Europa, and other well-known restaurants around town. He loves his work at Tessa and is photographed beside the restaurant’s namesake, Tessa, a dog at Peacehaven Community Farm.

When we were there for brunch last Saturday, our breakfast was cooked to perfection. It is nice to see these locally-sourced restaurants popping up around Greensboro and nice to know that there are chefs who are committed to Greensboro and keeping us well fed.  As for Interlink, they can be proud. In addition to being a fabulous in the kitchen, this chef has mastered English, too.