If you were a Colombian, you would have your version of an empanada. If you are an Argentinean, you might find a dough that's baked and has a butter sheen on it. And then in Ecuador, you'll find more crispy-fried empanadas. So, yeah, every culture has their own version of empanadas.

There a great ethnic cuisine available to you in Chicago.

I spent several years cooking on a line.

My family came from Ecuador.

From the time I was 8 until now, I've been working. My Social Security is looking solid.

I have experienced a tremendous amount of personal and professional growth, and I feel incredibly lucky that I'm able to make a career out of doing the things that I love.

I studied cooking in Spain after college.