Dishin’ on Taste Chefs: Meet Chef Luis Velasquez of Familia Fine Foods
A Kitchen Full of Music, Laughter, and Love
For Chef Luis Velasquez, cooking has never just been about food. It has always been about family, connection, and care. Growing up in Colombia, the kitchen was the heart of the home. Music played, pots simmered, and laughter filled the room as his mother and grandmother cooked with instinct and generosity.
“I learned that cooking was an act of love,” he says. “It was a way to take care of people and bring them together.”
That lesson stayed with him. Years later, after moving to Canada and spending more than 15 years in the corporate banking and finance world, cooking became his way of staying connected to his roots while building a new life. At 40, he graduated as a chef and founded Familia Fine Foods, carrying that same feeling of home into every dish he creates.
Colombian Comfort, Cooked with Heart
Chef Luis’ cooking is deeply rooted in Latin American traditions, especially the flavours of his home country. When asked which dish best represents his style, the answer comes easily: Sancocho.
A traditional Colombian soup or stew, Sancocho brings together chicken, pork, beef, plantain, cassava, potatoes, and spices into one deeply comforting dish. It is hearty, nourishing, and full of soul, much like his approach to cooking. Alongside these traditional recipes, Chef Luis also loves barbecuing and experimenting with different tools and techniques, blending tradition with curiosity.
Finding Balance Between Two Cultures
Right now, Chef Luis is inspired by the contrast between Canadian seasonal produce and the warmth of Colombian flavours. Ingredients like corn, cassava, plantains, fresh herbs, panela, citrus, and slow-cooked meats regularly appear in his kitchen.
“I love balancing acidity, sweetness, and depth,” he explains. “My cooking is not spicy. I am always looking for the perfect balance so every taste feels welcome.”
Spices are used gently and thoughtfully, supporting each dish rather than overpowering it. The result is food that feels familiar, comforting, and accessible, while still rich with flavour.
Food Is About People, Not Ego
One of the most important lessons Chef Luis has learned is that food is ultimately about people.
“Technique matters and presentation matters,” he says, “but what truly stays with a guest is how the food made them feel.”
Cooking with humility, consistency, and heart has shaped everything he does at Familia Fine Foods. That philosophy extends beyond the plate. Treating his team with love and care is what makes Familia a special and welcoming place, both in the kitchen and the dining room.
How to Experience Familia for the First Time
For first-time guests, Chef Luis suggests starting with the full experience. He encourages visitors to come on a weekend, when live music, warm service, and vibrant energy transform the space.
“I want people to feel like they are in a different country,” he says.
Guests are invited to explore the weekend specials, with Bandeja Paisa and Pork Schnitzel standing out as signature favourites. These dishes are comforting, familiar, and layered with care, inviting people in rather than challenging them.
A Dish That Tells His Story
As part of Taste of Burlington, Chef Luis will be featuring his Signature Bowl and Colombian Style Pork Schnitzel Platter. These dishes were chosen not just because they photograph beautifully, but because they represent who he is.
“It reflects me as a Colombian chef in Canada,” he shares, “cooking with tradition, technique, and love around the table.”
A Warm Welcome Awaits
Through Taste of Burlington, Chef Luis Velasquez invites diners to experience food that celebrates culture, community, and connection at Familia Fine Foods. Every plate is an invitation to slow down, share a meal, and feel at home.
Savour a bite of everything and be sure to add Familia Fine Foods to your Taste of Burlington list this year.
