We’re excited to welcome Sebastian back for another year at the OutdoorFest NYC campout! We interviewed Sebastian to hear more about his new name, the food he creates and his connection to running.
What's your food about and how is it connected to you and NYC?
Our food is about an authentic taste of home. My family is from Colombia and I grew up between Medellin and New York City. The mix of Latin cultures and fine dining in NYC combined with the plethora of flavors in Colombian cuisine heavily influenced both my pallet and our menu. We're a blend of several latin cultures, Colombian, Puerto Rican, Mexican. When we started the business we wanted to present Latin cuisine in a way that didn't isolate based on national identity but rather unite us through what we shared at the table.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
We've drawn our inspiration from our elders, our travels, and the chefs working to preserve traditional food techniques throughout the world. Modernizing a traditional dish is a challenging task. Some of our recipes go back over 3 generations in our family, so adherence to technique and tradition is necessary, while also pushing presentation and execution to modernize the experience. Some recipes we’ve acquired throughout our journeys in Latin America. The recipes we learn help us craft better products and deliver a more balanced culinary experience.
Recently you rebranded from "Mi Casa" to Empanaderia, why is this?
Unfortunately our name Mi Casa Foods kept getting confused with other business. We want to be known for our signature product our Empanada. We chose Empanaderia because it more clearly defined what we specialize in while still maintaining the connection to our culture.
Photo by Michael Martineau
Are you a runner? Lover of the outdoors? Both?
I’ve run the Brooklyn half marathon twice, so I think I’m qualified enough to say I’m a runner (but I’m not a serious runner). I am a huge lover of the outdoors and everything nature. I regularly go camping, hiking, biking swimming. If it’s outside, I’m into it.
Do you think that empanadas are great post-run fuel?
Yes! As long as you don't eat just empanadas! We have a bunch of healthy options that are a great post run recharge, our bandejita last year was a hit, rice beans plantains red cabbage salad and avocado!
Have you been to the OutdoorFest Campout before? What do you think of it?
This will be our third year doing the food at OutdoorFest and we couldn't be more thrilled. The energy and camaraderie that you feel is amazing. Everyone is there to run and have a good time and you can really feel that.