i. Biography
The Climb
Training at Duoc UC gave Juan José Molina the technical base for a career built on discipline, exactitude, and control. The useful part of that foundation is practical: learning how to cook, and how to move through service with calm and purpose. That discipline carried into L'Etoile, where he served as Sous Chef from 2022–2024, a role that sharpened both technical confidence and leadership inside the working line. At La Coquerie in Sète, France, the Executive Chef title places Juan José Molina in the role of final authority: setting pace, calibrating seasoning, and holding the kitchen’s standards in view. The work is less about display than about control—timing, temperature, and instinct kept in balance.
Today
At La Coquerie in Sète, France, Juan José Molina’s cooking is defined by the meeting of classical French techniques and South American ingredients. The French side brings structure: clean lines, sequencing, restraint, and respect for form. The South American side brings freshness, character, and a clear link to origin. The result is a style that reads as considered rather than ornate. It relies on contrast, not excess, and on clarity rather than decoration. Within that framework, La Coquerie’s Michelin Plate recognition in 2024 and again in 2025 signals continuity in the work as much as the restaurant’s standing.
Signature
Juan's signature dishes include Saint-Pierre taco with harissa, Mediterranean red tuna with Thau oysters, sea bass in saffron broth, and prawn ravioli with XO sauce. Each one suggests the same guiding instincts: exacting technique, a confident sense of balance, and a willingness to let ingredients speak with their own distinct accents.
Recognition
Juan's honors include Michelin Plate (2024).
Profile updated August 2026
FAQ
Asked of Juan
What is Juan José Molina's current role?
As of 2026, Juan José Molina is Executive Chef.
Where did Juan José Molina train or study?
Juan José Molina trained at Duoc UC.
What recognition has Juan José Molina received?
Michelin Plate (2024).
