NORTHAMPTON – Even in a city known for its varied restaurant choices, Sarah Rivera said she still saw a gap in Latin American food options.
Several Northampton establishments serve up Mexican dishes, but that cuisine is quite different from foods from countries like Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. And it’s a blend of those two cultures that make up Rivera’s heritage – and her cooking.
Rivera, 24, says that gap has now been filled with the opening of El Conquistador, the restaurant in Florence she manages. It is owned by her fiance Josue Nunez, 26.
The eatery at 91 Main St. opened Tuesday and already has been successful, Rivera said Thursday. On Wednesday “I had a line all the way outside,” she added.
Rivera does the cooking, while Nunez handles business in the front of the house. The restaurant has takeout service and five seats overlooking Florence center.
Rivera said there’s a big difference in seasoning that makes the food served at her restaurant different from Mexican favorites. While her food is not spicy, “It’s just the flavoring that makes your mouth water,” she added.
Pork shoulder is on the menu every day. That takes some five to six hours to cook and starts with a marinade in vinegar and water, according to Rivera.
Other meats are offered on a rotating basis, such as bistec encebollado (cube steak with peppers and onions) and pollo asado (roasted chicken).
For appetizers, Rivera offers alcapurrias (plantains stuffed with ground beef) and empanadillas (a stuffed pastry with meat or cheese).
There is also a selection of rices and desserts, including a seasonal offering of helados tropicales – tropical ice creams in flavors such as pineapple and coconut. The frozen treats are hard to find in the Northeast outside of New York City, and Rivera said she knows of only one store that sells them locally, in Holyoke.
Nunez rented the space in January and took about three months to renovate its interior. Rivera said he had driven past the storefront frequently and saw a “for rent” sign in its window.
Nunez used money from tax refunds and other savings for start-up costs, Rivera said.
Rivera, who said cooking is a passion, has worked in the food industry since she was 16, starting at Dunkin’ Dounts. She knew she wanted one day to be able to cook her own food and manage a restaurant. Before opening the restaurant, Rivera said she ran a catering business from her home in Northampton.
Rivera said, “I go for what I want – we both do.”
To that end, they already have a plan for expansion. In about two months they will start offering delivery and Rivera said if all goes well with the Florence business, they hope to open a restaurant in downtown Northampton. That will be a bar-and-grill style establishment that Rivera said they hope to open by next January, she said.
As for the name El Conquistador – the conqueror –Rivera said it is inspired by the name of a Puerto Rican resort she and Nunez visited about five years ago. It was a unique place because visitors were able to be one with nature, and she recalled being able to pet iguanas.
That special memory has always stuck with her, but the strong phrase is also one that fits well with her ambitions.
“You are going to conquer something, you just need to find a way to achieve your goals,” Rivera said. “My cooking is my achievement.”
El Conquistador is open Mondays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The phone number is 413-341-3507.
Chris Lindahl can be reached at clindahl@gazettenet.com.