My Inspiration...
4.20.00
A date of great significance for me.
It was the day I signed my lease for what began as Amici, and would later transition into Q'ero. Along this 20 year journey the one constant has been change.
Along the way we have adapted to the changing needs of our beloved Encinitas community- a community we have called home over the past 20 years.
Within these many transitions over the years, Q'ero has always maintained its commitment to tradition, great taste, and cooking as an artisan craft.
We have prepared countless meals for birthdays, anniversaries, and other celebrations of life.
As when I started on this path many years ago, I am tuning into my heart, trusting my gut, returning to my roots of cooking food that brings me joy.
As this new freedom reveals itself to me and my family "poco a poco" (bit by bit), with an open heart I invite you to come and experience it first hand.
Our menu may change at any time and will updated accordingly via our Instagram & Facebook.
Chef driven, dishes inspired from the heart will be what is served.
That is a promise I make to you.
Thank you from my family to yours!
Monica Szepesy
Proud owner of Q'ero
A Third Generation Family Business!
Our Family Story...
We come from a long line of travelers. On Dad's side, Hungary (Abuelo) crossed paths with Ecuador (Abuela). On Mom's, it was Spain (Bisabuelo), with Italy (Bisabuela). My Dad's parents immigrated to New York City, my Mom's immigrated to a small town outside of Cusco, Peru called Zurite. Our father joined the Peace Corps and met our Mother in Zurite. Their story took us around the world, with a career dedicated to the foreign service. Growing up in Chile, Jamaica, Pakistan, Honduras, and Bolivia lends a perspective on humanity that I can appreciate so much, especially these days. Among all of our travels, none had a greater impact than the trips home to Cusco to visit the family. Cusco is an incredibly beautiful place, with a rich legacy that we are so proud to be a part of. Our work is a tribute to this legacy as well as to our family, past and present.
Q'ero Travels...
Ever since I can remember, Cusco, Peru has felt like home to me. It was the constant in my life, as we would return every few years from abroad to visit my mother's family. I now understand that my love for Peru runs deeper than the need to connect to a physical place. It is where I learned about the unconditional love of family. It is also where I fell in love with a country overflowing with history and culture. Entering our 20th year in business I am excited to be spreading my wings to take flight and kick off a series of one of a kind curated tours to Peru and beyond. I hope this inspires you to take flight with Q'erolandia Travels.
Monica Szepesy
