Originally from Bolivia, Rodrigo Mendoza’s American culinary journey began in 2000. After graduating from L’Academie de Cuisine, he refined his technique at the legendary Café Boulud in New York under the mentorship of Daniel Boulud. His career then took him to the high-stakes world of Design Cuisine Catering, where he executed massive-scale events, including the U.S. Open and President George W. Bush’s inauguration.
In 2008, Rodrigo headed west to Sonoma County, joining the team at Dry Creek Kitchen in Healdsburg. Working alongside Charlie Palmer, he was instrumental in helping the restaurant earn its first Michelin star. Over the next fifteen years, Rodrigo became a fixture of the regional dining scene, contributing to the success of local landmarks like Bistro Ralph and spending a decade as a key leader at Mark Stark’s Willi’s Seafood & Raw Bar.
In 2023, Rodrigo fulfilled a long-held ambition by opening Goldfinch in Sebastopol. The restaurant is a vibrant reflection of his journey, focusing on wood-fired, locally sourced, and sustainable fare. His menu is uniquely balanced, offering creative, vegetable-forward plates alongside progressive takes on meat and seafood. Whether through his fine-dining roots or his popular “Beach & Barrio” food truck, Charro Negro, Rodrigo’s cooking is defined by a singular philosophy: a dedication to the joy of eating and the celebration of life.