Ricardo Zarate Jr. is a certified sommelier and service enthusiast with international restaurant experience in both Mexico and Japan. He earned his B.A. in English Literature at Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine, where he fostered his love of art and an affinity for wine. Though initially focused on teaching, he found his passion in the hospitality world and began his restaurant career at Finch’s Bistro & Wine Bar in downtown La Jolla.
This path led him to become a certified sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers in late 2015, and has since completed additional certifications in Champagne and Sake. After returning from Japan, where he opened a wine-centric pop-up on Enoshima Beach, his experience in the fine-dining restaurant scene of San Diego brought him to numerous management roles. Notably, he served as the General Manager of 1500 Ocean at the Hotel del Coronado alongside French Master Chef Patrick Ponsaty, and later joined the opening management team of Huntress Steakhouse.
Most recently, Ricardo propelled Leucadia favorite Valentina to numerous accolades, including mentions in The Wall Street Journal and Forbes. He is also a co-owner of Valentina offshoot Bodega Vale, a soon-to-debut wine bar in Solana Beach. Adding to his impressive resume, he now joins the opening team at Haven Farm + Table, the on-site restaurant at Encinitas’ new “agrihood” development, Fox Point Farms. In a dual role as Haven’s General Manager and Beverage Director, Ricardo’s passion for extraordinary service, thoughtful wines, and compelling cocktails will create an energetic dining room where guests can feel a sense of community.
Ricardo currently resides in Leucadia, where he spends his time away from restaurants playing tennis, and reading and writing poetry.