What inspired you to open La Cantine?
I grew up with food, my mum cooked for us every night even though she had a full-time job, and I started helping her at a very young age. She gave me a love for food. I also had two amazing grandmas, the best cooks ever! One in Spain and one in France. I used to hang out with them in the kitchen and just watch them cook. I’ve been cooking since then. I love food, discovering new cuisines, new places, and new recipes. I’ve been hosting dinner parties with friends my whole adult life and even though my career took a different path for a while so I could save money, I always knew I wanted to eventually run my own business where I could host and serve friends and a community!
What is inspiring you right now?
Honestly, I find these very unprecedented times quite inspiring- seeing the respect and willingness (most) people have staying home, social distancing, helping their neighbor, their community, seeing the hard work of all essential workers and volunteers here but also around the world. It made me want to get back on my feet and figure out a new and safer way to keep my business alive and give the community a sense of normality and a little joy.
What’s your favorite part about the NYC creative community?
It’s never stopping, it’s always moving and changing and challenging. People are coming from all around the world and sharing this big city, bringing in their own culture and voice. I find it all so motivating. There are no walls between industries, food works with art and music and it creates the best collaboration, spaces, and stories. I love it!
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@lacantinebushwick on Instagram