Margarita Perez - Cartagena Empanadas

Margarita Perez was born in Cartagena, a place she fondly remembers as a colorful, tropical, and sunny coastal city, the most touristed city in Colombia. She came to the US ten years ago, settled here in Philadelphia, and had a family. She found it hard to find authentic Cartagena food here in the city. She started by making empanadas just for family and friends, getting feedback that they were the best any of them had ever tried. By word of mouth she expanded, each customer bringing in more people. Eventually enough people encouraged her to take it to the next level. With that and inspiration from her mom and children, she opened her business: Cartagena Empanadas. Though empanadas are her main focus, she also does meals like rice platters with beans, smoked pork, and vegetables — using fresh, seasonal ingredients for a balance of sweet and sour familiar to her taste buds. The flavors are traditional, but she has also been making some adaptations to her new home, such as empanadas with American cheese, which she describes as “a good blend of culture and of taste.”