About Us
Embracing Heritage
Nostalgic Flavors from Spain, Africa, and the Indigenous Roots
Our History
At Queen Criolla, we celebrate and bring to life the diverse culinary traditions and cultural richness of the Hispanic world. We are dedicated to creating gastronomic experiences that honor the heritage and flavors of our communities, blending the old with the new in a way that resonates deeply with our guests. With every dish we cook, we strive to evoke that deep sense of nostalgia, recreating the memories from our childhood and the moments that have shaped us as adults. We embrace our cultural heritage, drawing from the deep roots of indigenous traditions, as well as the diaspora of influences from Spain, Africa, and the Arabian world, longing to revive the experiences that made us who we are today.
Meet the Team
Jordi Gaso
Co- Founder & Head Chef
Originally from Puebla, Mexico, Jordi Gasó is a culinary visionary specializing in Mediterranean, Latin, and Nikkei cuisine. Trained at Barcelona's Hofmann School and having worked in Michelin-starred restaurants, including PAKTA under chef Albert Adriá, Gasó now resides in Switzerland. With a role encompassing both conceptualization and execution, he brings his expertise to various consulting projects and serves as the head chef at Queen Criolla, crafting innovative dishes that reflect his culinary philosophy. Fluent in English, Spanish and German.​
Vanessa Lourido
Co - Founder & Event Manager
Born in Colombia and raised by a blend of both Latin and European families, Vanessa Lourido embarked on a 16-year journey through design and the hospitality world. Her path has led her to win several awards as a former restaurant owner in both Bogotá and Cartagena de Indias, including recognition by Eater.com as one of the best places to eat in 2020. Lourido's skills encompass the creation of gastronomic concepts and the organization and efficient logistics of gastronomic projects. Her love for gastronomy's history inspired her to start Queen Criolla. Fluent in English, Spanish and German.