Hello Dear Reader:

Last night, Chile Lindo proudly represented Chilean empanadas at KQED’s Empanada Showdown. El Porteño, owned by Joseph Ahearne, represented Argentina. Harinas Baked Goods, owned by Grace Lontoc, represented the Philippines.

The event was sold out. We had so much fun!

A heartfelt thank you to the entire fabulous KQED team. Thank you to producers Paloma Abarca and Yo Ann Martinez. Thank you to the show’s wonderful hosts, Blanca Torres and Josh Decolongon, for keeping us calm and the energy lively.

I’m deeply grateful to my amazing team, Fernando Valencia, Ana Juarez, Andrea Lira and Favi Vega. ¡Muchas Gracias!

This was a wonderful opportunity to showcase empanadas. It was also a chance to support small businesses and share the diversity of cultures that make the San Francisco Bay Area so special. So great.

Following are some photos from kitchen prep and backstage in the green room, where we were a bit jittery as the live audience arrived. You’ll see moments of us before the live audience, and after the show, when we had the great opportunity to sell our products to guests.

The audience first enjoyed free samples from all three businesses, which were included with their KQED tickets. I highly recommend these KQED events. Everyone had a great time!

Finally, thank you to those who shared these photos with me.

Saludos,

Paula Tejeda

Chile Lindo

You can watch KQED’s Empanada Showdown on YouTube. ¡Viva Chile!

KQED main lobby screen

KQED kitchen with Fernando and Andrea right before heading backstage

(left to right) At the greenroom with host Blanca Torres, Joseph Ahearne (El Porteño) and Grace Lontoc (Harina Baked Goods)

On stage, before a packed house

With host Josh Decolongon explaining what goes into a Chilean empanada

Post event sales were great!

Thank you to those who joined this newsletter

Audience members happily sampling our empanadas

Jocelyn Wicker

Member, KQED Community Advisory Panel

Audience member checking out Chile Lindo empanada variety

(left to right) event guest, KQED producer, Paloma Abarca, and KQED event host Josh Decolongon

(left to right) Favi Vega and Andrea Lira--CLASS ACT FABULOUS TEAMMATES.

¡MUUUUUUCHAS GRACIAS!

Hours of Operation at Chile Lindo