About

This journey began in May 2021 and we honestly had no idea we would be at this point. I am Johnny Rodriguez, graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, late in life following my passion for cooking soulful food. I say late because at the time of my culinary education I was one of the oldest in the classroom. I worked for a medical device manufacturing company and even ran a local musical non profit but cooking has always been a hidden passion. I was fortunate to take this path and have done many great things since graduating. Such as working for the John Besh food empire in New Orleans under some amazing chefs, and also working in Washington DC with some amazing restauranteurs. Having to come back home was difficult but necessary and has led me here to this very personal endeavor. I am often asked why "BIG FIG" as the name chosen for my unique culinary perspective, Its to honor my late father with whom I had a strained relationship in life and death. We had a gigantic fig tree (I say big because as a child everything is big) in our backyard that my dad cultivated, and this is in essence a way to keep his memory alive. I do food that I would love to eat and enjoy when people get pleasure in my creations. No, I'm not inventing something new or doing advant guard cuisine, just good food based on my life and culinary journeys with all the loved ones in my life. Please enjoy whenever you get the opportunity.