Daniel Contreras - Making It My Own

19 May 2024

Chef Daniel Contreras is the culinary visionary behind Dos Sucres, a celebrated restaurant nestled in the heart of Cuenca, Ecuador. With a passion for Ecuadorian cuisine and a dedication to sustainable and locally-sourced ingredients, Chef Daniel has established Dos Sucres as a beacon of gastronomic excellence.


Born and raised in Cuenca, Daniel developed an early appreciation for the rich culinary traditions of his homeland. His journey into the culinary world began with formal training at renowned culinary institutes, where he honed his skills and embraced the nuances of international cooking techniques. However, it was his deep-rooted love for Ecuadorian flavors and ingredients that guided him back to his origins.


At Dos Sucres, Chef Daniel crafts menus that celebrate the diversity of Ecuador's regional ingredients. From farm-fresh produce to locally-sourced meats and seafood, his dishes reflect a commitment to quality and sustainability. Each plate is a testament to his innovative approach, blending traditional flavors with contemporary flair.


Under his leadership, Dos Sucres has garnered acclaim from both local and international patrons. Chef Daniel's dedication to his craft is evident in every dish, making Dos Sucres a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts seeking an authentic taste of Ecuador.


When he's not in the kitchen, Daniel is a passionate advocate for sustainable farming practices and actively collaborates with local farmers and artisans to promote the region's culinary heritage. His commitment to community and excellence has solidified his reputation as one of Ecuador's leading chefs.

Promotion for culinary capitals an innovative destination certification and development program for unknown destinations
Taste of place podcast listen to our culinary travel and culture podcast with erik wolf
Food
A membership page with a picture of pancakes on a plate.
30 September 2025
In Loving Memory and with Deep Gratitude: Honoring Brian F. Lorge
29 September 2025
🎧 New Podcast Episode Alert! Episode 80: “Mexico Beyond the Myths” featuring Ximena Velasco In this episode of the Taste of Place Podcast, we chat with Ximena Velasco, founder of the ¡Qué Gusto! festival in France. Originally from Mexico, Ximena has dedicated the past decade to changing perceptions of Mexican food abroad, proving that it is far more than fajitas or chili con carne. She shares her journey from working with Atout France to creating her own cultural platform, the challenges of promoting Mexican gastronomy in a country so deeply proud of its own food traditions, and the victories that come from perseverance, creativity, and trust in her instincts. 🎙️ Available now on Spotify, iTunes & your favorite podcast platforms (Search for "Taste of Place") 📺 Prefer video? Watch it now on our YouTube channel.
25 September 2025
Quarterly tales from the ambassadors of the World Food Travel Association
by Erik Wolf 21 September 2025
🎧 New Podcast Episode Alert! Episode 79: “Peace Through Food” featuring Paula Mohammed In this episode of the Taste of Place Podcast, we sit down with Paula Mohammed – podcaster, cultural explorer, and founder of In My Kitchen. Paula’s story begins with a unique multicultural upbringing as the daughter of a Pakistani father and Māori mother, raised in both Canada and New Zealand. She shares how a childhood memory of curried peas sparked a lifelong passion for connecting cultures through food. From organizing events and working in sports marketing, to launching In My Kitchen and facilitating culinary exchanges worldwide, Paula has built a life around creating peace through food — one dish and one story at a time. 🎙️ Available now on Spotify, iTunes & your favorite podcast platforms (Search for "Taste of Place") 📺 Prefer video? Watch it now on our YouTube channel.
Smiling Black chef in black uniform with arms crossed. Outdoor setting.
29 August 2025
Chef Dela Acolatse from Ghana is the newest certified ambassador for the World Food Travel Association.
by Erik Wolf 29 August 2025
🎧 New Podcast Episode Alert! Episode 78: “From Abidjan to London” featuring Paule-Odile Beke In this episode, Ivorian-French chef Paule-Odile Béké shares her journey from sneaking street food in Abidjan to founding her Afro-fusion catering company in London and competing on MasterChef: The Professionals. She reflects on her culinary roots, the influence of family, her experiences in Paris and London, and her mission to elevate Ivorian cuisine on the global stage. Paule also discusses resilience in the kitchen, the importance of mentorship, and her exciting new ventures with Ivorian teas, spirits, and food products. 🎙️ Available now on Spotify, iTunes & your favorite podcast platforms (Search for "Taste of Place") 📺 Prefer video? Watch it now on our YouTube channel.
More posts