Rob AriasPatatas Neighborhood Kitchen is nearly ready to open their doors to the public after announcing their intent to move into the former Commonwealth space back in July 2016. They’ve previously been operating as a delivery only service for the past three months. Chef Marcos Quezada brings his Latin-American influenced flavors into a unique menu that features Paella, Herb Roasted Chicken and their signature Spanish Tortilla.
Patatas a true local, family-run business as Marcos and his wife Javiera live just a few blocks away in Emeryville’s Triangle neighborhood. One of their two school-aged children even attends school at Escuela Bilingue Internacional (EBI) just up San Pablo. Marcos’ sister-in-law Alicia contributes her experience in marketing, PR and promotional efforts.
Marcos and his wife Javiera were both born in Chile and have lived abroad including time in Spain and Mexico. They eventually settled down in the East Bay where Javiera spent her teenage years. Marcos’ previous career had been spent in business administration and he became tired of the corporate world that comes with traveling, layoffs and time away from his family. He sought a better work-life balance and something he was truly passionate about.
After Marcos & Javiera’s children reached school age, they decided to pursue Marcos’ passion for food as a career move. He began refining his recipes in his home kitchen, then in a rented commercial kitchen space, then using local Farmers’ Markets as an incubator. His success at these markets and with some corporate catering events gave him confidence that he was ready to take the next step. When the Adeline space became available, Marcos pounced on the opportunity for a location so close to home.
Quezada is a self-taught chef with a passion for food goes back to his childhood. “The kitchen is the heart of the house in Chile, the Center” Quezada noted. Patatas offers a range of pan-latin influenced dishes with their signature probably being their Spanish Tortilla. A Spanish Tortilla is similar to an Omelette with ingredients like egg, potatoes & spinach. They can be enjoyed both hot and cold. Patatas uses organic ingredients whenever possible and there are many Gluten-Free and Paleo options.
Quezada wanted to reaffirm his “neighborhood kitchen” business model and community-focused commitment. “We’re not a ‘restaurant’ so much as a kitchen for the neighborhood to join us. We want to provide healthy and convenient food options for the entire community.”
One of the challenges of operating a successful business in today’s climate is reducing overhead while expanding your market. Patatas hopes to achieve this with a broad range of delivery services that includes UberEATS, Grubhub, Caviar and Postmates. Patatas will also offer their full menu as listed on their website for pickup & take-out.
Patatas also offers a variety of grab & go options including Garbonzo Salads, fresh Smoothies, salsa and Herb roasted Chicken available in half and whole portions.
Their shaded patio and compact interior will be available intermittently for dine-in and take-out service during what is expected to be a weeklong soft opening with plans for a Grand Opening on Thursday June 1st.
Hours
M-F: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Web:
Menu:
Location:
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Hi Rob. I was looking for an article about the elderly in Emeryville and was unable to find anything on the net. Have you ever written anything about the situation for the aging? Thanks. Baruch Golden
Hello Baruch, we did publish a guest piece by Commission on Aging member Winifred Arbeiter:
https://evilleeye.com/in-the-neighborhood/emeryville-commission-aging-weighs-priorities-seniors-city/