Chef Santiago Vargas and Chef Samantha Lehrer brings a bit of Peruvian and Cuban flavor to the River Arts District! Enjoy a trio of empanadas filled with locally sourced ingredients, $15. Ask about our perfectly paired flight or glass of wine. Indulge and imbibe beginning at 2pm. Empanadas are available while supplies last. Vegetarian options available. 

Chef Santiago was born in Peru, surrounded by Peruvian flavors. From a young age, he loved to cook. When he moved to New York with a suitcase and a dream, he was encouraged to follow his passion and enter the culinary world professionally.

Santiago realized he wanted to share the exquisite flavors of Peru with the world. He cooks from the heart, which is evident in his dishes. He owned the award-winning Out of the Blue Peruvian fusion cuisine food truck and topped the list of the best foods truck in Asheville. Chef Santiago was the first to offer residents and guests of Asheville authentic Peruvian flavors.

Sam is a first generation Cuban-American chef from New Jersey. With a background in permaculture design, she became fascinated with where our food comes from in her early 20s. With her love for cooking the Latin-Caribbean foods she grew up with, bodega Cubans was born here in Asheville, NC. 

Bodega Cubana offers authentic Cuban cuisine peppered with the flair of various Latin cuisines. She is currently doing pop ups and private events only.