Monica “Mika” Leon spent most of the last decade working in kitchens across South Florida. Her journey to chef, restaurant owner and television personality began humbly with Mika Bites, a wholesale desserts company she launched out of her mother’s garage after college.

Next came Caja Caliente, a successful food truck business she turned into a thriving brick-and-mortar in 2019. Using her family recipes as a foundation, she draws inspiration from her travels to reimagine traditional Cuban food for the innovative menu.

Leon’s cooking is highly personal. Traditional roast pork (lechón) tacos and homespun versions of arroz con pollo are featured on the menu alongside whimsical brunch plates and the healthy dishes she shares on her website, www.MikaLeon.com. Her website and social media platforms reflect Leon’s evolution as a chef. She focuses on fresh takes on classic Cuban food, adaptations of her favorite desserts, and new dishes that feature local and seasonal ingredients.

In addition to her work in the restaurant, Leon has cultivated a growing media career with appearances on the Food Network’s Beat Bobby Flay, Tournament of Champions and Taste the Nation with Padma Lakshmi, among other television shows. She’s been featured in numerous local and national publications, including Time Out, Eater and The Infatuation.

Arrozo Blanche

Plátanos Maduros Fritos

Ropa Vieja