Lucila Jimenez, Owner and Pastry Chef, Sweet Art by Lucila
Andrés Jimenez, M.D., Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of Miami

Since when are you Cellar Club Members?

We have been loyal Cellar Club members since the very beginning in 1994. Back then, wine tasting events were held in the 7th floor.

Lucila, you are famous for your exquisite cakes and desserts, which started out as a home-based business and has evolved into an award-winning, large-scale operation. What role(s) has your family played in the success of your venture?

My family has been there all along! My husband used to do deliveries. My son Andrés worked with me until recently, and my daughter Cristina, a culinary school graduate, is currently running things alongside me.

Lucila, how has your Cuban heritage influenced your edible creations?

The cake recipe was taught to me before any one else in Miami ran off with the recipe by the grand lady of pre-Castro Cuban cooking, Ana Dolores Gomez. I am also very interested in French and European pastries.

Dr. Andres, what drove your decision to become a health professional?

It all began with my interest in Biology, which then became focused on Human Biology and eventually, Medicine.

You are actively involved in supporting various organizations and in giving back to the community. Which organizations are you particularly involved with?

Andrés: We are both very connected with our Alma Maters: Belen Jesuit Preparatory School and the University of Miami. Lucila: I also belong to Les Dames D’Escoffier, an organization that has supported the Homestead area Farm Council for some time. As a business owner, I belong to Legatus, an international Catholic organization for men and women in business involved in charitable work.

What are your favorite travel destinations?

We have not been everywhere yet — but so far Paris and Rome are our first choices!

What type of activities do you enjoy doing in your leisure time?

We enjoy cooking for pleasure, scrapbooking, and watching food programs. Every season we attend the Opera. Naturally, we like to eat out in restaurants as well as spend weekends at the beach.

Do you have any favorite beverages?

Andrés: We have not met a drink we do not like in some way. Lucila: For me, I can have French Champagne or Spanish Cava with everything!

In what way has the Cellar Club enhanced your personal and professional life?

The Cellar Club at the Biltmore has become a sort of home, like our neighborhood hang-out, where we often see other people that we know. We do not use it to do business or to make connections, we go there just for the pleasure of it. We have met a lot of people through the The Cellar Club that have become intimate friends.

What has been the most memorable experience (so far!) you have had at the Biltmore?

The Champagne winemaker gala dinners are my favorite and are always memorable. I remember one Veuve Clicquot gala dinner a few years back that still lingers in my mind...