Arepas and a New Beginning: The Baltimore Restaurateur Introducing America to Venezuelan Food-and its Next Generation of Talented Chefs

David Zamudio, the co-owner of Alma Cocina Latina, shares the same mission with Irena Stein. Together, they are building bridges between cultures and creating opportunities for talented chefs to thrive in the United States. Alma Cocina Latina stands as a powerful link, providing opportunities and a better life for those seeking refuge from the challenges faced in their homeland due to situations and violence.

Nine years into owning Alma—one of the few Venezuelan restaurants in the country—Stein and Demshak have continued to expand their restaurant and their reach. From top: Chef David Zamudio and owners Irena Stein and Mark Demshak; the La Mariscada arepa and a hibiscus margarita; the Deep Blue Sea cocktail. When the pandemic struck Baltimore and restaurants closed down due to COVID on March 16 of last year, Stein and Demshak joined forces with Mera Kitchen Collective, a community kitchen.