Gina and Roberto Cortez of ASADA

In the middle of the recession of 2008, Gina and Roberto went way outside of their comfort zone and started cooking at festivals across their recently adopted state of South Carolina. Without any background in food, much less the restaurant business, they built a following with their clever interpretations of Mission Style California/Mexican cuisine. Then came the food truck, then came their brick and mortar location on Wade Hampton Blvd. Her family is Japanese, he's Nicaraguan and they met in southern California while working in IT. While they may not have come through the ranks in the traditional manner, they've built a name for themselves with their gracious hospitality and wonderful food at ASADA. This is one of those personal statement restaurants that feels special. The art work is all Roberto's, their staff are all familiar and their work ethic is unwavering. Join me and my wife Amy as we sit down with Gina and Roberto.