Una Cocina Con Amor

La Cocina.” It translates to “the kitchen,” but for anyone who has spent time in Hispanic communities, the term carries warmth: a feeling of open arms, a readiness to gather, empower, nurture, and even heal.

As I sit across the table from Ivanet Avila in a corner booth of Highlands Bistro, she tells me, “I want people to know that my husband puts a lot of love in his food; this is more than a restaurant. It is a place to gather and be part of our family.” While Juan Avila’s resume includes noted establishments in both New York City and Highlands, here, he is not a chef in a kitchen; he is a chef inviting his community into his kitchen.

In 2020, after 30 years in New York City, where Juan was a maître d at the exclusive Patsy’s restaurant (a favorite among A-list celebrities), and Ivanet worked as an immigration lawyer for the Hispanic community, the couple relocated to Highlands. Juan worked in several plateau dining establishments, including Half-Mile Farm and Paoletti’s. Eventually, he joined Don Leon’s, a local favorite with a reputation as a community gathering place. When Juan approached Don after learning he may be retiring and selling, Don told him that if he wanted it, he would have to learn the business first. Within three months, the Avilas became the new owners.

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“This is my husband’s American dream,” Ivanet beams as she glances toward the kitchen, where Juan is preparing a customer’s order. It is a statement, especially when spoken in a non-native tongue, powerful enough to summon tears. Juan is from Ecuador; Ivanet is from Venezuela. While the couple won't change the basic menu, they will introduce South American cuisine and draw from the international melting pot of cultures they experienced during their years in New York City.

“Most of his life, Juan worked in an Italian kitchen. He loves pasta; he speaks Italian! But we will also start offering dishes from Colombia, Peru, Puerto Rico, Ecuador, and Venezuela,” Ivanet shares.

Venezuelan empanadas aren’t the only additions; the establishment is now open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in season; patrons may book private events or order catering. Guests enjoy live music and local art, including a new mural by Bobby Sikes.

A quick scroll through Highlands Bistro Google reviews will find diners raving about the customer service and using words like “otherworldly” to describe their meals. “Most of the food is handmade. We want guests to feel like we don’t just give you a plate of food, but we give you a piece of our heart. People will say, ‘Juan, that was so delicious! What did you put on it?’ The answer is a lot of love,” Ivanet grins.

Highlands Bistro is a family restaurant. The Avilas’ nieces make the desserts; their youngest son works in the kitchen, and the older