Special Advertising Section: Faces of Detroit 2026

M CANTINA — EXECUTIVE CHEF JUNIOR MERINO
13214 MICHIGAN AVE., DEARBORN, MI 48126 | 313-399-9117 | MCANTINA.COM
Executive chef Junior Merino is a globally recognized culinary innovator, award-winning mixologist, and pioneering force behind modern mixology. Internationally known as “The Liquid Chef,” he transformed the beverage industry by merging culinary artistry with
cocktail creation, setting new standards for hospitality worldwide. Raised in a multicultural culinary environment, Merino developed a passion for fl avor innovation early in life. By age 15, he had progressed from baker and line cook to bartender and beverage manager, earning a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence and gaining admission to the Court of Master Sommeliers’ Guild. His awardwinning cocktail, Coming Up Roses, launched a career that would inflluence the industry.
Since founding The Liquid Chef Inc., Merino has created acclaimed beverage programs for leading international luxury brands. He has collaborated with Oprah Winfrey, Justin Timberlake, and Lenny Kravitz and even served President Bill Clinton. Today, as executive
chef of M Cantina, he continues to redefi ne culinary excellence and innovation.
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