Meet Alina Baraldi | business

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alina Baraldi and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alina, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I started cooking and baking as a child with my family. My mother and grandmother taught me to cook. I spent a lot of time in the kitchen learning my family’s recipes.

When my children were growing up, I would cook for everyone. We never needed a caterer for a special event or family gathering because I cooked for every occasion.

During Covid, I started cooking and baking for friends and family. My family heritage is Mexican, German, and Chilean. So I began experimenting with these international flavors and baked empanadas, cakes, and cookies for my neighbors and family during the pandemic. The word got out into the community about my unique empanadas. So, I decided to start a business doing what I loved, baking for friends and family at home. I started a catering business. I would cook and deliver to people’s homes. My empanadas were the most requested menu item and I decided to focus solely on empanadas.

I applied to the local farmer’s markets when the world started opening up again. So I started bringing my empanadas out to the markets and local events. My empanadas are now available in multiple Green Markets around South Florida, and I opened my first Empanada Café in Delray Beach.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Our empanadas are made with a Mexican twist. “Taquizas” are traditional Mexican buffets with multiple stews and dishes that can all be eaten in taco form inside a tortilla. Taquizas are usually enjoyed at large family gatherings and are a big part of Mexican culture.

At A Kitchen, we have surrounded the traditional Mexican stews and flavors with our secret dough to create irresistible empanadas that can be enjoyed at any time of the day, at home, or on the go.

Mexican cooking is varied, not just spicy. We have options for everyone, like breakfast empanadas, vegetarian options, and traditional beef empanadas. Of course, our homemade salsas can accompany all.

Also, we cater! Our empanadas are perfect for a celebration, office lunch, or special event.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would bring my friends to the Delray Beach Market and the West Palm Beach Market. It is a fun thing to do on the weekend. You can sip, eat, shop and enjoy the beautiful Florida weather. Both markets are in great locations and you can walk to local stores, restaurants, art galleries, movie theaters and more!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Shoutout to Studio Baral, Delray Chamber, The P.L.A.Y. School, and MasterWing Creative Agency!

Website: https://www.akitchendb.com

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