Chef Andrea Condes with Four Directions Cuisine began a dinner series called The Rooted Andina, using ingredients and techniques that celebrate her culture.
ARVADA, Colo. — A business venture quickly turned into a form of self discovery for one Indigenous chef.
“I’m a transracial adoptee from Caracas, Venezuela. We believe my indigeneity is from the western side, San Cristobal region of the country,” said Andrea Condes, owner of the Arvada-based Four Directions Cuisine. “I really set out on very much a personal journey, and I was utilizing food to explore that.”
Condes’ parents were in the military and adopted her while they were stationed in Caracas. She has limited information about her background, other than a birth certificate in Spanish.
“My parents got me the good old fashion way, from an orphanage,” said Condes.
She grew up in Ohio before later relocating to the Denver area.
“Growing up, I had minimal exposure …