We’re looking forward to introducing you to iliana de la Vega. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning iliana, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I am dedicating a little time for myself and do yoga and do short walks with my dog
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am Chef iliana de la Vega, chef owner of El Naranjo Restaurant in Austin Texas, dedicated to serve traditional Mexican food in , Austin, Texas.
My husband and I started the restaurant in Oaxaca Mexico in 1997, we had it for almost 10 years until a social turmoil collapsed the economy and we migrate to the USA, and in 2010 we open a food trailer on Rainey St we had it for almost 2 years until we move to a brick and mortar site also on Rainey St. we operate there until December 2019, as we move to our actual location on 2017 S Lamar Blvd. I was awarded with the prestigious James Beard Award as Best Chef Texas in 2022.
At El Naranjo Restaurant we proudly serve traditional Mexican food and drinks, made with care and love, always using the best quality ingredientsOurs is a family business where now our daughter Ana Torrealba is the Chef de Cuisine, she has work with us in different capacities since many years ago now.
Also since 2015 me and my younger daughter Isabel Torrealba began a culinary tour company Culinary Traditions, and have been operating the culinary experiences in different locations in Mexico, and earlier this year we expanded the horizons and started in Chile, South America as our new culinary destination.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
My parents taught me about responsibility, hard work, study and ethics, and also a very important lesson, you can do anything and be anyone you want, but you have to follow the 4 previous rules!
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There has been a couple of times that I just wanted to give up, the first one was when we had to close our beloved restaurant in Oaxaca, that was the first turning point, a second one when we we have to move out from our former location on Rainey St, as the cost of the rent was impossible for a restaurant, and just the idea of start all over again felt like too much at that time. third the pandemic, Yet, here we are!
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
There is a common misconception in the restaurant industry about how glamorous is the life of a chef, cook or restauranteur. Although is something I really love, it’s not easy, it is really hard work, long hours standing up, we work while our friends and family are having parties, celebrations, etc.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I would loke the people to remember me for my smile, laugh, hard work and for always preparing delicious food!
Contact Info:
- Website: elnaranjorestaurant.com culinarytraditions.com
- Instagram: @elnaranjoaustin @culinarytraditions @ilianadelavega
- Linkedin: ilianadelavega
- Facebook: elnaranjo culinarytraditions. ilianadelavega
Image Credits
Tanya Chavez
