HOMEMADE FOOD.
"Abuelita Chela grew up in the heart of Nicaragua, where the aroma of wood-fired grills and simmering beans filled the air of her family's kitchen. From the time she could reach the stove, she stood beside her mother, learning the secrets of authentic fritanga—the perfect char on carne asada, the balance of spices in gallo pinto, the patience required for slow-cooked vigorón.
Her hands became her teachers. She learned that the best quesillos are made with cheese pulled fresh that morning, that plantains must be fried twice for the perfect golden crunch, and that every dish carries the soul of the person who prepares it. These weren't just recipes—they were stories, traditions, and love passed down through generations of Nicaraguan women who cooked to nourish both body and spirit.
When Abuelita Chela came to Miami in 1994, she brought more than her skills—she brought her heritage and a promise to keep her mother's traditions alive. Today, decades later, she's still in our kitchen, preparing every plate the same way her mother taught her all those years ago. At Chelas, you're not just tasting food; you're experiencing the authentic heart of Nicaragua, one dish at a time."