Meet Chef Tati

Tatiana Palacio is a Miami-born culinary entrepreneur whose journey into food began long before she ever stepped into a professional kitchen.

Raised in Miami Beach by a single mother of Latin descent, Tatiana grew up in a home where cooking wasn’t central — dining out and experiencing the vibrant Miami food scene was the norm. It wasn’t until her mother renovated their kitchen in a new apartment that something shifted. Intrigued by the space and the creativity it offered, Tatiana began cooking at home, even pretending to host her own cooking shows. What started as curiosity quickly became a deep-rooted passion.

The Foundation

After enrolling at Miami Dade College, a turning point came when she noticed the launch of a new culinary arts building on campus. Instantly drawn to it, she changed her major and committed fully to the culinary path.

Determined to gain hands-on experience, Tatiana secured a position at the W Hotel South Beach at The Dutch, working under renowned chef Andrew Carmellini. Starting at the cold station, she worked her way up over five years into a Chef de Partie role, managing multiple stations and overseeing service execution. The experience sharpened her technical skills, discipline, and leadership abilities within a high-level hospitality environment.

The Entrepreneurial Leap

When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted industries across the country, Tatiana found herself drawn back to the kitchen. Working alongside a personal chef, she immersed herself in private dining, yacht catering, and meal preparation services. As restaurants closed and private experiences became the new standard, she recognized an opportunity. The challenges of the pandemic became the catalyst for her entrepreneurial breakthrough.

From her studio apartment in Miami Beach, she launched Times With Tots, a brand centered not just on exceptional food, but on curated culinary experiences. The name reflects her philosophy — it’s not just about the meal, but the moments created around it. She didn’t want to simply be “another chef.” She wanted to represent hospitality, energy, warmth, and memorable experiences.

Growth & Vision

The first year was challenging, with only a handful of consistent meal plan clients. Through persistence, relationship-building, and a relentless work ethic, her business expanded organically. Today, Tatiana serves approximately 145 weekly meal plan clients, maintains steady private dining and event bookings, and has built a trusted reputation within Miami’s luxury and wellness communities.

Beyond business, Tatiana is a devoted mother. Motherhood has strengthened her drive, resilience, and long-term vision. In her personal time, Tatiana enjoys boating, ocean life, traveling, and exploring new restaurants — continuously drawing inspiration from Miami’s vibrant culinary landscape and beyond.

From a single mother household to building a successful culinary brand from scratch during a global pandemic, Tatiana’s journey is defined by risk-taking, reinvention, and resilience. She combines culinary artistry with sharp business instincts and a deep understanding of client experience — positioning her not only as a chef, but as a strategic hospitality partner.