Meet Silvia Andaya: Owner and Executive Chef, Adelitas Cocina Y Cantina, La Doña Mezcaleria

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

Hi Silvia, do you have any habits that you feel contribute to your effectiveness?
Kindness, consistency and persistence. Kindness – We value the efforts of each of our patrons to make it through the obstacles in their own lives. Understanding that it is not easy, we want to provide a place of warmth, good food and friendly service. We are proud that Denver is a city of inclusivity, and in this spirit, we are proud of the diversity we see in our restaurant day in and day out. Consistency – Many of our recipes are hundreds of years old and in observance of the cultures and traditions from which they come to the present age, we are careful to prepare all our offerings in accordance with those who made them originally, generations ago. By doing justice to our ancestors, we therefor do justice to our patrons. Persistence – We are a company that has overcome obstacles and continue to do so so that we may provide our families and community with the best possible food for the value. We welcome challenge and believe it to be an opportunity to improve ourselves.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Like many Mexicans, I studied in my own country prior to coming to the United States, and was employed for almost 25 years as an accountant’s assistant. Upon arrival in the US, I worked as a hair dresser, seamstress, babysitter, housekeeper, while cooking for parties and learning the culture and language. I did such with great affection until I had the opportunity to open Adelitas Cocina Y Cantina, and am now blessed to work at my one true passion in life, cooking. I have learned that it does not matter how many times you are knocked down, but rather how many time you get up. Also, that with effort and hard work, you can achieve what you desire.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Of course I would take them to the beautiful Rocky Mountains, for in every season they are breathtaking. Then I would take them to the best Mexican restaurant in Denver, Adeltias. LOL. No there are so many restaurants that I like in Denver, one of which is El Five, not only for the food, but the views as well. We would also visit Señor Bear, the Botanical Gardens and Garden of the Gods.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would love to give a shoutout to my mother, Nazaria Elorza, who taught me everything that I know. Also, to my children, Karina and Victor, who were, and are, the engines that drive me hard to succeed and who always complimented and congratulated me on the food I gave to them.

Website: www.adelitasco.com, www.LaDonaMezcaleria.com
Instagram: @adelitasdenver, @LaDonaMezcaleria
Linkedin: N/A
Twitter: N/A
Facebook: @AdelitasCocinaYCantinaDenver

Image Credits
Elise Fermin of Boheme Fox Productions (photo credit) Picture of Owner/Executive Chef, Silvia Andaya