In the vibrant heart of Valparaíso, you will find Caperucita y el Lobo, an iconic restaurant that has stood the test of time and has become a gastronomic reference in the region. Its chef and co-founder, Leonardo De la Iglesia, welcomes us in this warm space, full of details inspired by the famous tale that gives it its name. In this interview, we discover how this innovative project was born, its evolution and the vision that drives it towards the future.
The beginning of the dream
Fine Dining Table Team: Leonardo, how did the idea of Caperucita y el Lobo come about?
Chef Leonardo: Ever since I discovered my passion for cooking, I have always dreamed of having my own restaurant. My wife, whom I affectionately call “la Canito”, and I honed our culinary skills working in the United States, Europe and Canada. It was during our stay in Canada that the idea of the restaurant came to life. She returned to Chile before me and, in a conversation, mentioned to me her desire to open a pastry shop. I suggested that we create a restaurant together: she on the sweet side and I on the savory side. That’s how “Caperucita y el Lobo” was born.
Fine Dining Table Team: How did you choose the name and location?
Chef Leonardo: The restaurant is in Canito’s grandmother’s house in Valparaíso, a place full of meaning for our family. The name Caperucita y el Lobo was my mother-in-law’s idea, and we loved it! It has that playful touch that we were looking for. In the restaurant, we play with that theme: there are details of Caperucita y el Lobo all over the place, and we hand over the bill inside a little book, as if it were a story.
A culinary journey
Fine Dining Table Team: It’s been more than eleven years since you opened. How has the restaurant evolved?
Chef Leonardo: At first, there were just three of us: Canito, an assistant and me. We lived on the third floor of the restaurant for the first five years. The menu was simple, but we were always looking to give it a creative twist. Over time, we have refined our culinary offering, focusing on local and seasonal products. One example is our mussels sautéed with sous-vide fennel, which have become a classic. We also work with local suppliers who provide us with gems such as pickled silverside and vacuum-cooked southern hake.
Fine Dining Table Team: How do you define the cuisine of Caperucita y el Lobo?
Chef Leonardo: It is a cuisine with soul. The flavors are tasty and recognizable, but with a modern technique. My grandmother was a great inspiration, and her recipes are present in what we do, only now we apply them with new culinary techniques. What we seek is for each dish to emotionally connect with whoever tries it.
The future of gastronomy in Valparaíso
Fine Dining Table Team: How do you see the future of gastronomy in Valparaíso?
Chef Leonardo: Valparaíso has always been a gastronomic beacon in Chile. Despite the challenges of the pandemic and the social outbreak, many venues, including ours, resisted. Today, I see a gastronomic renaissance. There are chefs, bakers and pastry chefs doing incredible things. The most important thing is the collaboration between local actors, from suppliers to entrepreneurs. My dream is for Valparaíso to recover its former gastronomic glory. We have exceptional products and a port that connects us to the world, we just need to continue working together to raise the level.
The unique experience of Caperucita y el Lobo
Fine Dining Table Team: Finally, why should people visit Caperucita y el Lobo?
Chef Leonardo: What we offer goes beyond food, it is a complete experience. Our team works with passion so that each client feels it. Luna, in the dining room, and Nigo, in the cocktail bar, are a fundamental part of this experience. Valparaíso is a magical place and we are a brushstroke in that landscape, contributing our dedication and love for gastronomy.
Caperucita y el Lobo is more than a restaurant, it is a story of perseverance, passion and love for cooking. Leonardo De la Iglesia and his team seek to transmit emotions and memories through each dish. If you visit Valparaíso, this iconic restaurant is a must-stop to enjoy an unforgettable culinary experience.
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