Felipe Ospina

08/21/2024

Happy 43rd birthday 🎂 to me!

I’m feeling incredibly blessed today. As I reflect on the past year, I’m filled with gratitude for the gift of good health, not just for myself but for those I hold dear. It’s a privilege to be surrounded by people I love and who love me in return. I’m also thankful for a fulfilling career that allows me to work with so many talented individuals in the restaurant and hospitality industry. Every day, I’m inspired by the passion and creativity of those around me.

Here’s to another year of growth, learning, and unforgettable moments. Cheers to the journey ahead and all the blessings yet to come!

07/30/2024

What is Colombian Food?

Since I moved here in 2003 from Bogotá, Colombia, my hometown, people have often asked me, "What is Colombian food?" Twenty-plus years ago, my answer would have been the same dishes everyone knows, like Bandeja Paisa, Arepa, Tamal, and Sancocho. But now, in 2024, I can proudly share that our gastronomy is experiencing a beautiful renaissance. Many of us have left Colombia to work in the best culinary scenes in the US, Europe, South America, and other amazing countries, and we are now bringing those influences back home.

This past July 17th, a few days before our Independence Day, I had the privilege of inviting some of the most talented Colombian chefs and bar professionals we have here in and abroad to curate a menu showcasing what Colombian cuisine is nowadays at Amaru Restaurant in Chicago. What we witnessed was mind-blowing. I cannot be prouder or more excited about what we experienced that night. We saw a transformation in Colombian cuisine similar to what happened with Peruvian and Mexican cuisines in recent years.

One unique aspect of is its incredible diversity. With two oceans, various altitudes, and multiple climates, Colombia offers a vast array of fruits, vegetables, animals, flowers, and seeds. This diversity allows our chefs and bartenders to be incredibly creative, taking traditional dishes rooted in our heritage and elevating them even further.

I believe Colombia is in a golden era right now for many reasons, and the world is taking notice. Our culinary professionals are receiving recognition from Michelin, The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, Bocuse d’Or, Coupe du Monde, James Beard Foundation, and many other prestigious organizations.

I want to extend my gratitude to the following people for their support during this event. I look forward to organizing more exciting events to showcase not only the flavors of Colombia but also the stories of other countries shared through their cuisine.

CHEFS & BAR

-Chef Carlos Andrés Ibañezs Ibáñez, Bucaramanga, Colombia ( Owner Cotiza Longaniza & Simona Pizzeria )

-Chef Rodolfo Cuadros Cuadros, Cali Colombia ( Owner of Del Alma Restaurants)

-Chef Jorge Kauam, Caracas Vanezuela, (Owner JK Chocolates & )

-Chef Alexander Quintero Sanchezder Quintero, Medellin, Colombia ( CDC S.K.Y Chicago)

-Bar Manager Juanjo Pulgarinjo Pulgarín ( Lead Bartender Maple & Ash)

SUPPORT TEAM

- Gomez, GM Apolonia

- Medina, Events

- Bolivar, Dbo Films

- Casilimasla Casilimas, DBO Films

- Chicago Sister Cities Internationalter Cities International Bogotá Chapter

- Mulcahy Mulcahy, ILCC Deputy Director

- Pepe VargasVargas, ILCC Founder and Executive Director

Enjoy this amazing video recap by DBO FILMS and stay tuned for the next dinner where we will be sharing the story of another amazing country.

VIDEO: https://www.felipeospina.com/events

Truly,

Felipe Ospina

Consultant for Sysco

Culinary Advisor International Latino Cultural Center of Chicago

Pilot Light Board Member and Co-Chair "Feed your mind Gala 2024"

04/27/2024

Reflecting on our recent time in Chicago, we mourn the loss of Carlos Castañeda, known worldwide as the iconic Juan Valdez, representing the beauty of Colombian coffee. Rest in peace, Carlos. Your legacy will forever be cherished. ☕🇨🇴

Juan Valdez Café

01/16/2024

12/14/2023

Amazing time being Santa Claus for all the kids who recently arrive from Central and South America to Chicago.

Una organización sin fines de lucro de Chicago organizó el festejo para darles regalos a los niños migrantes.

11/14/2023

I invite you to be part of team FELIPE and run with me this race to save them together.

I signed up for the Berlin Marathon to support PAWS 🐾 Chicago. My intention is to create awareness of what they do and do fundraising to support them.

One of the reasons they are special is the NO KILL Shelter. Just in 2022 they received 4352 animals and saved 98% of them.

No Kill shelters embrace transparency and publish their statistics visibly and comprehensively. As a rule of thumb, No Kill shelters save more than 90% of the animals that come through their doors. This is called the Save Rate. Today, many leaders, like PAWS Chicago, are raising the bar and stating that the No Kill Save Rate should really be 95%.

Run with me here-> my bio or copy this link

https://donate.pawschicago.org/fundraiser/5035754

11/13/2023

New place opening. Apply here

Friends & Fam, BEAUTIFUL Sunda Fulton is almost ready, know any great leaders in hospitality that might like to talk to me about leading the dream team?!? I love & respect your thoughts and referrals first, here’s the link www.SundaNewAsian.com/Careers and my info: [email protected] .. appreciate you!

11/12/2023

What do to and eat in Porto, Lisbon and Marrakech ?

11/10/2023

What an honor to be a guest speaker on this panel to discuss how we can help our New Neighbors ( immigrants).

The focus was very much towards finding ways to support them become part of our beautiful city by providing food, jobs and housing for them.

I truly love to be surrounded by people who want to look at the positive in life and act on solutions to create a positive impact towards humanity.

Thank you 🙏🏻 Chicago Chefs CookChefs Cook (CCC) Eda Davidman Sarah Stegner for connecting all
Of us.

-Chef Charles Arthur Smith
-Victoria Infante Chicago Public Schools
- Angulo, Cónsul General de Colombia 🇨🇴
- Steve Wiley and Veronica Saldana Pilsen Food Pantry
- Laurell Sims, Urban Growers Collective
-Felipe Ospina , Sysco

10/02/2023

https://chicago.eater.com/23892706/chicago-migrant-crisis-asylum-seekers-restaurant-relief-winter-clothing-drive-meals-chi-are

With winter approaching, Chicago’s migrant community gets a helping hand from hospitality workers