Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarai, Luis Salazar, & Felez. Them and their team share their story with us below:
Sarai met Luis in Barcelona in 2012 while traveling to discover new culinary experiences. Few years later, we decided to start a new adventure together in Austin, Texas.
Together we have 20+ years of experience in the culinary industry, we’re professionally trained in the culinary arts by some of the most highly regarded culinary institutes in the world. In 2019, we decided to start our business Austhentico which provides catering, private chef services, events, and cooking classes. Our menu is inspired by authentic cuisine from Spain with Mexican fusion.
We truly have a passion for what we do and focus on creating a uniquely personal and elevated fine-dining experience for all our customers. We are environment friendly and support our local farms.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As soon as we opened, our first event was very challenging and a huge learning experience. We continued to have more events, were part of festivals, farmers’ markets, and always selling out.
Few months after we opened our business, we were faced with the pandemic, having 2 daughters, and to keep our customers safe we decided to temporarily close our doors for about a year. In summer of 2021, we decided to re-opened and after our first successful event, the delta variant hit. Currently, we are doing private dinners and happy we get to cook and make people happy while maintaining distance and provide no contact services.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Sarai being from Mexico City and Luis from Barcelona, we are able to come together with delicious menus using fresh ingredients and are able to adapt to any culinary requests…
Sarai took the Business Skills Certification at UT Center for Professional Education and small business program with City of Austin. This program opened a lot of doors for us and together we run our business, social media, pictures, bookings, finances and all.
We are not only a good couple, but also great business partners!
We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Luis grew up eating local, fresh products and always cooking at home using family recipes and techniques. This inspired him to have passion for the culinary world and has worked at popular places like Pinotxo at the Boqueria in Las Ramblas and other high-end restaurants.
Sarai grew up in Mexico City, always learning and helping her grandma in the kitchen. This inspired her to cook everything from scratch and stay close to the ingredients from her roots.
We both had to be independent at a young age, making us very hard workers and responsible since we were 15 years old.
Luis has traveled to places like Cuba, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic, and others. Dream place to visit is South Africa.
Sarai has traveled to Palau, Europe, and took her family to different parts in Mexico. Dream place to visit Japan.
Contact Info:
- Email: CHEF@AUSTHENTICO.COM
- Website: https://austhentico.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/austhentico.chef/
