Meet Claudia L. Amezquita | Chef

We had the good fortune of connecting with Claudia L. Amezquita and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Claudia L., any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
Keep going as long as the dreams are still there, I do this to fulfill a dream that has become bigger and more real with time, when i first moved to Greenviile, full of hopes and dreams, my current reality was not part of those dreams, its been becoming bigger as time goes by, as I am able to achieve a goal, I find myself shooting for the next step. In my personal experience, as long as what I am doing still brings me joy, I want to keep going, of course I have found myself doubting if it’s a good idea, if it would work, but then when I sit down, look back into the experiences and the growth and how much I have enjoyed it, it feels like the right path.
I have thought about giving up, I am someone that doesn’t make a lot of rushed decisions, so even giving up is something that I have carefully considered, but then something amazing happens, or an opportunity that works as a sign that is time to get back up and keep going happens, and I follow it.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
When we learned to cook, that’s what made us truly human. Fire and changing the way we ate things, that is what allowed us as humans to be who we are.
But also, I believe is not just about the food, but what it represents, it’s a ritual, it involves preparing for it, it puts all of our senses to work, it nurtures our bodies, keeps us alive. and on the more emotional side, can take us places.
Having the honor of preparing a meal and feed people, there is something about it that makes my soul happy. My main goal is to keep in mind to not underestimate the greatness in simplicity, in those meals that maybe remind someone of a loved one, a mom, a grandmother, a father. I want to tell my story through food, to honor the place I come from, the people I have loved, the people that has taught me anything, but also, if you tell me a story, I want part of your soul to go back to that moment with a meal I make for you. I want to recreate or be part of those days where we sat with your family around a table, to talk about our day or just enjoy the company, I want to take you and your loved one back to a special night where you enjoyed a meal, I want to create an experience that feels warm, human, familiar, that makes someone feel loved, seen, happy.
I am Colombian, my life has revolved around food and music for as long as I can remember, it’s a cultural thing, but cooking was never my first career choice, I started with business school and realized it was not where I thrive, today I wish I had gone through all of it but that’s life, so I followed my dream and got into Psychology, it was a wonderful time in my life, yet the kitchen was always in the back of my head, so my big goal has been to have cooking classes for kids and for women in need of learning certain skills to start over. My time with psychology is one that I carry very close to my heart, but in the middle of it, my very dear best friend and my grandmother both got very ill at the same time, which led to me quitting everything and spending as much time with them as I could, until they both with only a few weeks apart, passed. So there was me, not a lot of things made sense, and looking for something familiar got to Escuela Gastronomica de Occidente, in Cali, Colombia, my hometown. The team of professionals in that place sat down with me after 5 weeks of a “class for fun and get my mind off things” and convinced me I had potential talent for this, so here I was taking on a new challenge in life, and fell in love with it, with the fire, the heat, the rush. Fast forward, 5 years later, I ended up in Greenville, where I stayed away from it for a while until an opportunity came along, being part of the opening team for a bakery, thats when I met the people that I honor and respect now, the talented chefs that have become my friends, mentors and inspiration, that have given me the opportunity to be alongside them, until one day shooting for the next goal the big questions came, “Can I do this? Do I want to do this?” one thing has led to another just to find out I want to do this, it brings me joy, gives me hope, gives me the capacity to dream bigger, and now we are here, dreaming of creating magical and nostalgic moments for people.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Oh, dear Greenville, the place that has welcomed me, given me a home, and brought me so much joy!
Downtown Greenville is definitely the place that makes a lot of people that has visited me here, understand why I chose this town to live in. Walking through the bridge, stopping for the signature picture at the bridge is a must, that has been stop 1 most of the time.
The first time I walked into Society they had been open for 3 days, since that moment, it became a signature place for me, I moved here alone and they were always welcoming and friendly, 3 years later is still a spot I visit very often, for a late dinner after work, for a drink and lunch during a mid-day break, the bartenders that became my friends usually see me there on Tuesday when time allows me to.
Comal864 for some great food, it’s a place that feels welcoming and food is always good! It’s a place where doesn’t matter if I go alone in the middle of the day or with friends, I’m always happy to be there, for new years 2024 went in with my parents for a late lunch and ended up buying tamales that we were able to enjoy at home.
if its a weekend, Saturday farmers market is a go to for me! Having the opportunity to walk around downtown and at the same time buy fresh produce, talk to farmers, business owners, locals, then go home and work with what I have gotten, it doesn’t get old!
Swamp rabbit cafe has become a spot to visit on Fridays, since Broadwater shrimp is there, I just enjoy going, getting some fresh seafood, and then walking into the store and get some local fun and fresh ingredients, then get a coffee and maybe people watch.
For a night out, late night kind of thing, Rey’s has hosted me , staff has always been friendly!
one of my favorite spots for an afternoon getaway is Caesars head, about 15 min past it, Cedar Mountain Outpost in Brevard is a great spot to get a coffee and a snack, then on the way back stopping at Caesars head state park for some beautiful pictures, a great view of the mountains that surround the area, and if I am there at the right time, then Bald Rock for the most amazing sunset view!
During special times of the year, I really enjoy the festivals the city has to offer, Artisphere, Euphoria, Fall for Greenville, Christmas parade, its for me something to look forward every season

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
When I think about who I dedicate everything I do to, on top of the list is most definitely my family. They have supported me along the way, even when I decided I was giving up life as I knew it, they helped me pack my life in a suitcase, and watched me get on a plane, just me, my dreams and hopes. Plenty of tears, difficult moments, and a lot of work! They have been there in every step of the way.
I got from my dad my calm temper, the patience, and the capacity to not rush into anything and to listen to myself. From my mom the strength to keep going, the meaning of gathering around a table for a meal, and to work really hard to achieve something. From my brother, the capacity of standing up for myself and speaking up.
Of course to every person that I have worked with in any scenario, because that has been an opportunity that has led me to where I am now, Greenville has shown me a wonderful supporting community and I definitely couldn’t do it alone.
The incredible talented chefs in this town that one way or another have mentored me, have encouraged me, and have made me believe that I belong to the room and have earned being here.
I am a firm believer that we are all the result of experiences and people, that every person along the way teaches us something, leaves us something and I like to think that they take something. Maybe I use someone’s recipe for pickled onions because they showed me once, maybe someone out there eats a cheesecake and thinks back on a time I made it, I have worked with ingredients in ways I didnt think before because someone taught me once; thats my train of thought when I say we are all the result of past experiences, of people that we have loved or have meant anything to us. I like to think life is not just existing but that we store in our heart certain memories that makes us who we are.

Instagram: @MODELO_PRIVATEDINING

Image Credits
Personal photo/: Rosina DiBello photographer