Meet Trailblazer Kathy Vega

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kathy Vega.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was a former accountant in Denver and was let go from my job. The way it happened left a sour taste that I wanted to start my own business. After going over what Denver needed, I decided I wanted to sell Filipino food since there was very little representation in Denver and the whole state of Colorado. Bonus points for being an immigrant from the Philippines and having a chef mother. 🙂

The ironic thing was, I was not a very good cook. So, I cooked with my mother for a couple of weeks and gathered as much basic Filipino recipes from her. After many taste testings and jumping through hoops with paperwork, I opened A Taste of the Philippines (ATOTP) food truck in Denver April 2012… fun fact, A Taste of the Philippines was the first mobile restaurant in the whole state of Colorado.

ATOTP gained momentum and it was well received by the public and loved by Asian Avenue Magazine, YELP!, 5280 Magazine, 303 Magazine, Denver Westword and many other publications and blogs. After a year and a half, the catering part of the business started taking off.

I won a cooking competition for a fundraiser for University of Denver called “Dragon Chef” in October 2015 which led to Food Network calling me to appear and compete at Cutthroat Kitchen (the episode is called Best of the Worst). After the episode aired, Food Network called again to have me appear in another episode of Cutthroat Kitchen (an episode called Naughty or Nice). A few months later, Food Network called again and asked if I can compete for CHOPPED, of course, I did it 🙂

In January 2018, I moved the business to Chicago and sold the food truck in Denver. Now, I am operating as a vendor at City Market at Daley Plaza and South Loop Farmer’s Market and I also cater at various offices in the Loop and Chicagoland area. I’m very excited about being in Chicago as it’s the capital food city in the US. I am absolutely in love with this city and I can’t wait to see what I can accomplish here. I am aiming high 🙂

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I think anything in life it’s never going to be easy because you will always have struggles. No matter how much unpleasant the struggles are, I think that if or when you over come them there is always a life lesson in there somewhere. When I first started the business, I had no clue how to run a business. I did a lot of research and I was very hands on instead of asking people how they did it. I always think the more you get your hands dirty, the more you will learn. This was helpful in transitioning the business from Denver to Chicago.

The biggest advice to women and everyone who wants to start a business is to do it because you want to not because of fame or you will make a bunch of money right away. Do something unique or if it been done before figure out a way to put you on top of your competition and put your personal touch to it.

Owning a business is tough and competitive, but I absolutely love waking up in the morning and be my own boss. When I get a great review or people smiling and loving their food… I know I did my job and it makes the long hours and sacrifices that I make well worth it.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about A Taste of the Philippines – what should we know?
I own and operate a food business called A Taste of the Philippines. I specialize in Filipino cuisine. I serve at Daley Plaza, South Loop Market and I cater for events. I also have pop up dinners in Denver.

I love my brand and business because I believe the flavors of Filipino food is so unique and underrated. It’s been said that Filipino cuisine is about to take off, so I’m very excited to be one of the “original” chefs to introduce the masses to Filipino food, well, at least, it made it popular in Denver.

Do you feel like there was something about the experiences you had growing up that played an outsized role in setting you up for success later in life?
I’m fortunate enough to have parents that were both hard workers. They taught my sisters and me to work for the things we want and they’ll provide for the things we need. To this day, I took that life lesson with me and will be teaching my unborn child this precious lesson (I’m expecting my first child).

I also grew up in the Philippines where the majority of the providence was poor. I was privileged to grow up having enough to always have food on the table and with ambitious parents. We lived a simple life.

Pricing:

• Catering prices vary on the menu items
• Lumpias hand-rolled Filipino egg rolls) 3 for $5
• All entrees are under $10

Contact Info:

• Website: www.atasteofthephilippines.com
• Phone: 720-746-8880
• Email: atasteofthephilippines@gmail.com
• Instagram: Instagram @tasteofthephilippines
• Facebook: Facebook A Taste of the Philippines Chicago
• Twitter: Twitter @FilipinoCart

Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.