Ana Valdemoros grew up surrounded by food. Whether it was a family meal, a get-together with friends, or a neighborhood gathering, food was a staple. Ana was raised in Argentina, a country that blends Italian and regional Argentinian cuisines to create simple, hearty, flavorful meals that always draw from local ingredients. When Ana moved to Salt Lake City for college in 2000, it quickly became apparent that Utah was in dire need of an authentic Argentina experience.

While Ana has always loved food, her first love was community. She was fascinated with how neighborhoods and cities developed and wanted to play an active part in shaping a city’s future. With a degree in City Planning and Economic Development from the University of Utah, Ana began working in local government, spending years working on shaping and growing Salt Lake City and the surrounding valley.

Her passion for community brought her back to her roots, and Ana wanted to bring a piece of Argentina to Utah residents. What was born was Argentina’s Best Empanadas. Like many stories we hear on the show, Ana stretched her wings and learned the ropes by being a vendor at the Downtown Farmers Market. For years she perfected her recipes and received the opportunity to open a brick-and-mortar of her own. Located at 357 S 200 E, Argentina’s Best Empanadas is a small restaurant that brings a whole lot of love, community, and warmth, to the growing Utah foodie community.

Episode Sponsors

90.9FM KRCL — Community Connection and Music Discovery

The Chocolate Conspiracy — A project in pure, raw, honey-sweetened chocolate.

Maddox Restaurant — Featuring completely from scratch recipes in Perry, UT. since 1949, sourced and crafted from the finest ingredients available.

Beltex Meats — A small butcher shop utilizing local meats and sustainable practices. Specializing in the craft of whole animal butchery at 511E 900S

GREENbike — Salt Lake City’s non-profit bike share. Their bikes are ready to ride, one-size-fits-all, and located at popular downtown hot spots. Take as many 1-hour rides as you want for an entire year for only $75.

This episode of The Utah Foodie was hosted by Chase Murdock and produced by Ryan Samanka. Visit our episode archive on Ventricle Presents, and stay connected with us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

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