Meet Fernanda V Torres | Chef & Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Fernanda V Torres and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Fernanda V, what is the most important factor behind your success?
By far our process is one of our most important elements to our companies success. Prioritizing quality, freshness, while maintaining the same authentic Argentinian empanada flavor that only travelers or Argentinians can recognize is my ultimate goal.
Following my families recipes for authenticity is our secret to success, like our dough is very thing and flaky just as is done in Buenos Aires, The vegetables we get from the produce area at the markets and the meets we get from Argentinian butchers gives that authentic flavors that are hard to find at regular empanada stores.
And then is the connection and dedication from our vendor that adds the cherry on top.
I enjoy over seeing every aspect and makes me so happy when I see people biting the empanadas and saying “wow” puts a smile on my face.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I was born in Argentina and grew up in my grandma’s kitchen. As a little girl, after a few “mates and facturas” around 10am, my grandma would start planning the meal for lunch and a few sweet breads for the afternoon mates. It was so much fun seeing her from the kitchen table, the smells and sounds of tango playing in the radio will always resonate in me. My mom was more specific and loved to bake, I was her go to person when the eggs needed to be beaten or she needed an extra hand for making empanadas and ñoquis. I loved the feeling of communion with friends and family. When you are in the kitchen the world stops and your are in a trance like in meditation, times go flying.

As I moved to the states in my early 20s without any formal training I explored my creative side and became a muralist/artist, while at the same time organizing parties and cooking for all kinds of gathering.

When my third daughter was born, I become more serious about making empanadas with the idea of making it a business. With that idea in 2019 B.A. Mamas Empanadas was born. At that point I was going through a very painful separation just when covid hit, that sent me to the search for all or nothing.

From my first Farmers Market in Manhattan Beach to the now four different locations all through out Los Angeles. I was able to re-invent my self and expand a brand-new business despite the global pandemic occurring.
By the end of 2020 my team had grown, and with the help of my two older kids and loyal kitchen staff growing our business has only been easier. Now I’m able to say that my biggest accomplishment is to have this united family that is behind every single market where you get your empanadas,

Looking back on these five years I am grateful for the lifetime memories created everyday when I interact with my clients.
And most importantly, on a personal level I’m giving my kids valuable life experiences filled with nostalgic memories for their future, they are my driving force and my legacy in this world.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
When family and friends come to visit from Argentina I love to take them for a city tour to Abbot Kinney and for branch to Gjusta in Venice Beach, Bottega Louie and 7 gran for drinks in DTL, is a go place to end the evening and if you can explore DTLA paying a visit to The Broad and Disney Hall Concert is a must. Since I’m from the south bay spending time at the beach and having lunch at Un Caffe Altamura, in Manhattan Beach is something I really enjoy doing, and to take advantage of the amazing scenery Palos Verdes offers with just a drive around the cost or going on its amazing hikes you can’t go wrong.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to thank
Candelaria Zuniga
The growth of BA Mamas would not have been possible if I hadn’t met Candelaria Zúñiga, an angel fallen from the sky. Since the beginning of our business she came to me with little experience but committed to learning, and 5 years later her performance continues to surpass my expectations every day.

Since then she has been by my side unconditionally, despite all the highs and lows of life she has been there. She is the grandmother, mother, and friend that anyone would want. Her sweetness,  intelligence and super hard work is of an enormous value to me.

Website: http://bamamasempanadas.com/index.html

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bamamasempanadas/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fernandatorresart/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bamamasempanadas/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/b-a-mamas-empanadas-redondo-beach