Chef Anna Bran-Leis was born in Guatemala, while she grew up in the United States; she spent many summers in Guatemala with her grandmother, who inspired her love of cooking.

Opening her own restaurant was always Anna’s dream, but it wasn’t until she was diagnosed with cancer that she decided to quit her high-paying corporate job and launch one of the first food trucks in the nation’s capital, called DC Empanadas.

Now, Anna’s life-long dream has become a reality.  Anna’s health has also improved and in 2017, she opened her first brick-and-mortar restaurant, Taqueria del Barrio.

You can try one of Chef Anna’s favorite Guatemalan dishes, Chile Rellenos at home.