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Ever since I was a child, the kitchen was the heart of our home. The aromas, the sound of laughter, and the warmth of family gatherings around the dinner table created memories that lingered long after the last bite.
When I moved to London, I started my journey as a kitchen porter in some of the best-known kitchens in the capital, working alongside some of the most inspiring and famous chefs who have transformed the industry. However, my dream to open my own restaurant only began to grow my Head Chef ‘found’ something special in me and took the time to mentor me with discipline and care. He sponsored me to join my first Michelin star kitchen where I worked for 18-20 hours a day for 9 months, being promoted to 3 positions in that time. He saw a talent and dedication in me, I could not yet see in myself. I began to fall in love with the creativity and perfection of dishes, where a cm means a lot when cutting an onion and understood the meaning of passion for cooking. I then began to dream of creating a place that would bring people together through the joy of food.
After visiting Mistura in Peru and visiting top restaurants in Lima, I began to see the potential and richness of South American gastronomy in a different light. I saw how South American dishes can be created to tell a story in many ways, not just your mum or aunties cooked at home. There could be variances, there could be different fusion and twists. This ignited my dream and after years of dreaming, planning, and hard work, we finally took the leap and opened our very own restaurant.
The journey whilst working in another top restaurant in Mayfair, my now-wife and I would share our dream of opening a restaurant that celebrated our family's heritage and culinary traditions. Excitement coursed through us as we envisioned a cozy place filled with familiar dishes, laughter, and the warmth of community.
We spent countless weekends brainstorming ideas, creating menus, and researching the restaurant industry, business planning, and how to raise funds. Our families’ recipes became the backbone of our vision. From my mother’s ‘mote pillo’ (giant white corn with eggs and cheese), ‘tamales’ (dumplings stuffed with pork steamed on a banana leave) dishes to my wife’s grandmother’s ‘encocado de pescado’ (fish stew with coconut sauce), each recipe held a story, a piece of our family history. We wanted to create a space where our culture could thrive and where guests could experience the flavours of home.
After years of planning and we began the search for the perfect location. We wanted a place that felt welcoming, with a sense of charm that reflected our family’s warmth. Whilst walking around the Islington area looking for potential venues with my now pregnant wife and being turned down due to our lack of business history, we stumbled upon a former Turkish restaurant. It had an inviting exterior with large windows and sufficient space for dining. We could already picture the tables filled with families enjoying meals, just like we had done at home.
With the location secured, the real work began to open within 4 weeks. My older brother travelling from Spain to help me redecorate the place. We spent countless hours painting, decorating, and transforming the empty space into a cozy restaurant. It was a labour of love, and every brushstroke felt like we were adding a piece of ourselves to the restaurant. One of afternoon, we decided to take a break visiting the tourist hotspots such as Buckingham Palace when my wife was taken to hospital to start labour with our first child.
As the opening day approached, anticipation and nerves filled the air. We had planned a grand opening celebration, inviting friends, and family. The night before, we stayed up late, preparing dishes and setting up the restaurant. The aroma of my family’s recipes filled the air, and I could feel a sense of excitement bubbling within me.
When the big day finally arrived, the restaurant was bustling with energy. We had decorated the Ecuadorian art and artefacts, creating a gallery of our culture. As the doors opened, guests began to trickle in, their smiles and laughter echoing through the dining area. It was overwhelming and beautiful to see our dream come to life.
The first few weeks were a whirlwind. We received an outpouring of support from the local community, and our dishes quickly gained popularity. People raved about the exotic flavours and authenticity, and it warmed our hearts to know we were sharing our family’s legacy with others.
At the same time, there were long hours, unexpected equipment failures, and the pressure of meeting customer expectations as we had a heavy responsibility to showcase Ecuadorian gastronomy with a modern twist, which was not easy to explain. There were nights when we felt exhausted, but we supported each other through the ups and downs. Our parents reminded us that every challenge was an opportunity to learn and grow.
As years have flown by, having survived the Covid period, the restaurant has become more than just a place to eat; it welcomes a community. We see familiar faces returning week after week, sharing their own stories, weddings, engagements, anniversaries, and experiences around our tables.
As we look to the future, we’re excited to continue growing, experimenting with new dishes, and welcoming even more guests into our family. Because, at the end of the day, our restaurant is more than just a place to eat; it’s a home — a home filled with love, laughter, and the delicious flavours of family tradition.