Meet Katherine Nuñez | entrepreneur/Chef

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

Hi Katherine, what do you attribute your success to?
The success factor of the restaurant lies in several key aspects that make it stand out:
Unique Gastronomic Proposal: The combination of Spanish and Latin American flavors creates an innovative and attractive culinary experience for customers, offering something different from the traditional.
Quality of Ingredients: Using fresh, high-quality ingredients guarantees delicious and authentic dishes that captivate the diners’ palates.
Customer Service: We provide exceptional, friendly, and personalized service, creating an emotional connection with customers and making them want to return.
Attractive Atmosphere: We create a cozy space with decor that reflects cultural fusion, appropriate music, and a vibrant atmosphere, enhancing the overall customer experience.
Menu Innovation: We offer creative and unique dishes that blend the best of both culinary cultures.
Passion and Authenticity: The love and dedication we put into each dish and the project as a whole are perceived by customers, generating loyalty and admiration.
Variety of Beverages: We have a selection of beverages that complement the gastronomic offerings, such as Spanish wines, Latin cocktails, and craft beers, enriching the bar experience.
We provide a complete experience that combines culture, flavor, and entertainment, ensuring that customers enjoy memorable moments.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
This project began in my youth, during a time when I was searching for my true calling. While pursuing my journalism studies, I took on various jobs, including participating in a tourism-focused project that ignited my passion for offering cultural experiences through gastronomy. Later, through various trips across Europe and South America, where I explored diverse flavors, I realized this was what I wanted to share with others. Due to restrictions on freedom of expression in my home country, Venezuela, I was compelled to emigrate.

The United States offered me a fresh start, and here, alongside my business partner Karen Torrado, we ventured into the construction industry with a company that has now been successfully operating for six years. However, the idea of opening a restaurant always lingered in my mind. When I proposed it to my partner, we didn’t hesitate for a moment to bring it to life.

At our restaurant, we aim to offer a unique culinary experience in the city of Parma by blending the rich culinary traditions of Spain with the vibrant flavors of Latin America. Our concept is a sensory journey that celebrates the diversity and cultural richness of these regions, combining authentic ingredients and traditional techniques with an innovative twist.
Each dish on our menu is carefully crafted to highlight the best of both cuisines, from Spanish tapas to iconic Latin American dishes, creating a symphony of flavors that will delight our guests. We want every visit to our restaurant to be a celebration of the shared heritage and intertwined stories of Spain and Latin America.
Moreover, we strive to create a warm and vibrant atmosphere that reflects the welcoming and festive spirit of our cultures, where every guest feels at home.

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?
Day 1: Arrival and Local Exploration
Morning: Breakfast at Bake My Day Café, known for its delicious pastries.
Afternoon: Visit the Parma-Snow Branch Library to learn about local history.
Evening: Dinner at Das Schnitzel Haus, offering authentic German cuisine.
Day 2: Culture and Art
Morning: Explore the Cleveland Museum of Art in nearby University Circle.
Afternoon: Stroll through the Cleveland Cultural Gardens.
Evening: Enjoy live music at The Winchester Music Tavern.
Day 3: Nature and Relaxation
Morning: Hike in West Creek Reservation, a beautiful natural park.
Afternoon: Picnic lunch in the park followed by a visit to the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.
Evening: Casual dinner at Tony’s Family Restaurant.
Day 4: Shopping and Local Experiences
Morning: Explore unique shops at Shoppes at Parma.
Afternoon: Participate in a cooking class at Cuyahoga Community College.
Evening: Dinner at Barroco Arepa Bar to enjoy Latin American flavors.
Day 5: Adventure and Entertainment
Morning: Outdoor activities at Edgewater Park.
Afternoon: Visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Evening: Attend a show at Playhouse Square.
Day 6: Day Trip
All Day: Trip to Put-in-Bay on Lake Erie to explore the island.
Evening: Return to Parma for a vibrant dinner with live music at Quinta esencia.
Day 7: Leisure and Farewell
Morning: Brunch at Michael’s Place, famous for its cozy atmosphere.
Afternoon: Walk through the Cleveland Botanical Garden.
Evening: Farewell dinner at Pier W, with stunning views of Lake Erie.

This itinerary offers a mix of culture, nature, gastronomy, and entertainment, ensuring a memorable experience in Parma and its surroundings.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
A special shoutout to all the immigrants who have arrived in the United States to become part of the active economy. Your courage and determination in building dreams, creating jobs, and contributing to the country’s development are truly admirable. Your effort and dedication enrich cultural diversity and strengthen the social and economic fabric of the nation. Thank you for your valuable contribution! We also want to thank our family and friends who have supported us every step of the way. A special mention to Mrs. Tirsa and Mr. Alberto, owners of Side Bar in Columbus, who were a fundamental support in this project with over 35 years of experience in the field.

Instagram: @qetapasbar

Facebook: QE TapasBar