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May 23, 2012

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Elmer Rubio: From dishwasher to all-star chef

Published: November 3, 2009 1:11 PM
By ERICA MARCUS  erica.marcus@newsday.com

Quick ReadThe Salvadoran-born all-star chef at Chachama Grill in East Patchogue, cooked his way to the top in a new American dream.

Photo credit: Michael Nagle | Elmer Rubio, chef-owner of Chachama Grill in East Patchogue, cooks in the restaurant kitchen. (Oct. 9, 2009)

Behind the swinging door to the dining room, the language of the restaurant kitchen is Spanish. At most Long Island restaurants - be they Italian, French, New American or steak house - most of the cooking positions are held by immigrants from Mexico and Central America.

But with few exceptions, the position of executive chef is held by someone born either in the United States or in Europe.

Even...