BALTIMORE — It’s Artscape Week and the festival is a collection of art for the eyes and the buds.
Dozens of vendors will fill the streets of Baltimore and your stomach.
When it comes to making magic or art in the kitchen, Elisa Milán says that the first element is love.
“But we definitely have seasoning, adobo and sofrito,” said Milan, owner of The Empanada Lady. “We cook everything slowly so that all the flavors come together and everything comes together well. “
The Puerto Rican and Baltimore local is known as the “Lady of the Empanada. ”
She makes artisanal empanadas (authentically called pastelillo) that began as a basic family recipe, inherited from Milan’s grandmother, or “mama,” as her relatives called her.
Some of Milan’s earliest memories were of sitting at a table in Mom’s kitchen with her circle of family. With her feet lightly touching the ground, she rolled pastries, practicing techniques passed down in her family for generations.
Years later, she to check her luck.
“Someone made me a bet that I wouldn’t be able to make money promoting food,” Milan told WJZ. “I bought my grandmother’s empanada recipe, sold it, met the expenses and knew I was in the game. ”
It was then that she created “Las Empanadas de Elisa” which would later become her restaurant called “La Dama de las Empanadas”.
“The hard work, my ancestors, the love I put into what I do is the goal,” Milan said.
That’s why she’s starting to cook the way she does and will be at Artscape.
“I grew up in Baltimore and attended an event,” Milan said. “So I never imagined being a salesperson and participating in the experience. “
Artscape mixes food and art vendors from across the region, cultures, flavors, and ideas.
“We have some strong young black vendors here looking to stand out,” said Naomi Diggs, owner of Siama Juice Bar.
Siama Juice Bar is one of Artscape’s latest suppliers.
Diggs began making colorful, fun juices for his Bible study organization and for his mother.
“My mother had breast cancer,” Diggs said. “She has survived breast cancer for 10 years. He’s made a lot of juice, so we’re doing a lot. “
The 23-year-old creates non-alcoholic drinks with a twist so everyone can have a fun drink.
“We started this last year. I was 22 years old,” Diggs said. “So to be able . . . To be out there and it’s funny to be one of the younger distributors and they’re like, Well, where’s the owner?I say, I’m just here. “
Two marketers among dozens of people who can share their love of creating art for the soul and stomach.
“You do it smart, you’re smart and I just try to evolve with that spirit in each and every way, both personally and professionally,” Milan said.