From Artistry to Cuisine: Irena Stein's Journey of Sustainability and Flavor at Alma Cocina Latina

About the guest

Irena Stein is a photographer, restaurateur, immigrant, sustainability advocate, and humanitarian whose spirit is deeply rooted in humanitizing society. Irena is the Co-Proprietor along with her husband Mark Demshak and Executive Chef David Zamudio of Alma Cocina Latina.

After life in Caracas, Paris, Brussels and San Francisco; Irena moved to Baltimore in 1998, excited to experience life in a smaller but very strongly historic American city.

She started her career in the culinary world in 2002 and soon after opened Café Azafrán at the Space Telescope Science Institute at Johns Hopkins. Alkimia, her second café, opened in the Humanities building on the same Homewood campus. Both have been pioneers in introducing sustainability and zero waste in the food environments at Hopkins, but above all, they have provided day after day delicious food for the very brilliant community that surrounds them.

Since 2012, Irena has been dreaming of sharing her childhood cultural background with the city of Baltimore, and to present it beyond the borders of Hopkins. Alma Cocina Latina is her project with this in mind.

About Alma Cocina Latina

Alma is a Venezuelan restaurant that focuses on sharing the gastronomic culture of the Caribbean region. The menu — crafted by executive chef David Zumadio— combines Venezuelan culinary roots with contemporary techniques, spanning from antojos to arepas, crudos and ceviches, and platos principales.

The Truth In This Art
The Truth In This Art is a podcast interview series supporting vibrancy and development of Baltimore & beyond's arts and culture.

This episode is brought to you by a partnership with Station North Art's District

Mentioned in this episode
Alma Cocina Latina

Photo by Martin Demshak

To find more amazing stories from the artist and entrepreneurial scenes in & around Baltimore, check out my episode directory.

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