Amara Kitchen began as a small dream in Highland Park to create food that nourishes both body and spirit. What started as a cozy neighborhood café serving whole-ingredient meals for every kind of eater has grown into a community space rooted in care and connection. Inspired by the warmth and diversity of the San Gabriel Valley, Amara Kitchen opened a second location in Altadena. Unfortunately, the space was lost in the Eaton fires earlier this year. After enduring this challenge, Amara Kitchen continues to serve with resilience and gratitude. This Thursday, they’ll bring that same spirit to Noche de las Luminarias, sharing dishes that reflect their mission to feed people with love, intention, and community. Learn more about Amara Kitchen through their own words.

What inspired you to start your business in the San Gabriel Valley?

The San Gabriel Valley has such a rich cultural mix and a true sense of community. After seeing how much support we had in Highland Park, expanding to this area felt natural. The SGV reminds me of why I started cooking in the first place: it’s full of families, traditions, and people who genuinely care about community.

‍How would you describe the heart of your cooking?

The heart of my cooking is about balance and intention. I want everything we serve to be nourishing and thoughtful. Food should make you feel good, whether it’s a vibrant salad, a comforting pancake, or a bold mole.

Are there particular ingredients, flavors, or traditions that guide your menu?

We use a lot of fresh, seasonal produce and draw from both California and Latin American roots. There’s always a balance of lightness and depth, citrus, herbs, roasted vegetables, homemade sauces, and spices that carry a sense of warmth. Tradition inspires us, but we’re not afraid to reimagine it in a way that fits modern life.

What do you hope people feel or experience when they eat your food?

I hope people feel seen and cared for. I want them to taste the effort and love behind the food. Whether it’s someone stopping by for their morning coffee or celebrating a milestone meal, my hope is they leave feeling a little lighter, more grounded, and connected.

What have been some of the biggest challenges and rewards of running Amara Kitchen?

The biggest challenge has definitely been resilience, especially through the pandemic and the Eaton fires. But the reward has been the people: my team, our guests, and the community that keeps showing up. Seeing how our food brings people together makes every long day worth it.

What lessons have you learned along the way that you’d want to share with other small business owners?

Stay adaptable, lead with heart, and take care of your people. Things rarely go as planned, but if you stay rooted in your “why” and remain kind and flexible, you’ll always find your way forward.

How did the Eaton fires impact your work and your connection to the community?

The fires were devastating, we lost one of our locations completely, and a LARGE chunk of our community. It is heartbreaking, but that loss also showed me the strength of our community. People reached out, shared resources, and reminded us what we love about being a part of the community in the first place

What role has the community played in helping you rebuild or grow since then?

They’ve been everything. From grants and donations to simple messages of encouragement, the community has carried us through. We’ve been able to continue feeding people because of that support.

‍What does community support mean to you as a small business owner?

It means we’re not alone. Small businesses thrive on connection; every meal shared, every event attended, every local purchase matters. Community support is the heartbeat that keeps places like ours alive.

What are your hopes for the future of Amara Kitchen?

I hope to continue growing in ways that honor our values, health, sustainability, inclusivity, and creativity. We’re exploring more community-based projects, collaborations, and events.

What does it mean to you to be part ofCan you share the story of how Amara Kitchen got started??

It’s such an honor. This event celebrates the spirit of light and community, which is what Amara has always stood for. To be surrounded by others who care about culture, food, and connection, it's a reminder of why we do what we do.

How can folks continue to support you?

The simplest way is to visit us, share a meal, and spread the word. Follow us on social media, come to our events, and continue supporting our Highland Park location! 

Anything else we should know?

Just that we’re so grateful to everyone who has stood by us through every chapter, Amara has always been about love and nourishment.

Be part of the celebration this Thursday as we enjoy food from Amara Kitchen and honor local leaders at Noche de las Luminarias. This special evening will bring together advocates, organizations, public agencies, and city staff who are working every day to create healthier, safer, and more connected communities across the San Gabriel Valley.

Join us this Thursday, October 23, 2025, at the Hurst Ranch Historical Center in West Covina and help mark 15 years of ActiveSGV’s impact.

Get your tickets now: http://bit.ly/noche2025