We had the good fortune of connecting with Erasmo (Ras) Casiano and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Erasmo (Ras), what is the most important factor behind your success?
It’s always been about the people. When you assemble a great team that believes in each other, has eachother’s back, represent each other as best as possible, it’s inspiring. Everyone is giving their best for each other and that is what makes everything work.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
We’ve made it a point to remind people, staff, guests, etc, about the people behind the plate. That includes the people behind the service, the drinks, the food, and the ingredients in the food. We want to tell their stories and share their inspiration, whether that inspiration comes from a trip, a childhood memory, or a family member, there are so many stories to be told that matter even more than what’s written on the menu.

There are different challenges every day. You’re creating, you’re trying to innovate, and you’re trying to fill people’s needs, whether that’s a quick stop-in for a beer or celebrating a special occasion, we want to be meticulous and put care behind everything.

It wasn’t until a bit later on in my career that I really took a deep dive into my own culture when I started working with the Latinx House, which is an organization that works to support and celebrate the Latinx community. It was working with them on the Raizado Fest in Aspen that helped me find my path. I was teaching a master class for them where I did a lot of research into the history behind the Columbian exchange and Mesoamerica, and found the importance of corn and nixtamalization and felt called to that. So, I went back to Mexico a few more times, and fully committed to this mission I started for myself and thought, “What better way to teach culture than through food?.” My goal is to create something that starts a conversation at the table where people ask, “What is this and why haven’t I had it before?”

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
It would be a food-focused trip. I’d take them Getright’s Bakery for a jambon-beurre, and make our way to Traveling Mercies before heading to Annette. I would make sure to take them to sap sua, Ni Tuyo, Yuan Wonton, and Alma Finda Fina for some can’t-miss meals.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The current dining scene emerging in Denver is incredibly inspiring. The chefs at places like sap sua, Yuan Wonton, Annette, Alma Fonda Fina, and others are on a mission of storytelling and honoring the people and culture behind their food. The comradery between Denver’s chefs and restauranteurs is nothing short of amazing. There is a collaborative and supportive line of communication with each other where we share stories and ideas and try to uplift one another.

Website: https://lucinaeatery.co/ https://xiquita.co/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucinaeatery/ https://www.instagram.com/xiquitarestaurant/

Image Credits
Lucina Eatery & Bar, Xiquita Restaurant & Bar

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.