Since before she can remember, Chef Natalia Fragapane has been in love with cooking. Surrounded her whole life with women chefs—including grandmothers and sisters—she was in the kitchen cooking for loved ones by age 8. Today, she and her partner, Adrian Falero, are owners of the new restaurant, Alta Empanadas, located at 363 Village Square Lane, across from Douglas County Libraries–Castle Pines. It opened on Natalia’s birthday, April 10.

 

Natalia grew up in Argentina where her passion for South American flavors, as well as those from her Spanish and Italian heritage, took flight. “I cook with love, and I love what I am doing,” she said.

Natalia and Adrian, who is also from Argentina, met in the Miami restaurant scene at ages 24 and 19, respectively, and the two have been together ever since. The first restaurant they owned together, Trattoria Dionisia (named after Natalia’s grandmother, Dionisia), opened in Aspen in 2012. When the two decided to move to Parker, they relocated the restaurant, too. Trattoria Dionisia has been open in Parker since 2017, serving homemade Italian recipes, Monday through Saturday evenings.

For the past five years, the two have been dreaming up their next adventure and were drawn to Castle Pines because of the small-town charm. “We had a concept of wanting to have everything in one place,” shared Adrian, also a carpenter of 25 years, who designed and completed the entire space build-out at the new business. “Being right in front of the library is just perfect,” he added.

According to Natalia, the name for Alta Empanadas is simple. In Argentina, “alta” means the best, and empanadas are the house specialty. Everything is made fresh daily. The empanadas are both crunchy and flaky, made with phyllo dough and flour and bursting with flavors from of a variety of fillings. In addition to empanadas, tortas, quiches, pastries, desserts, local coffee, smoothies and wine fill the menu. Soon, crepes, soups and more will be added.

Natalia and Adrian have long days starting at 6 a.m. when they begin to prep and open the restaurant before heading to their restaurant in Parker later in the day. Outside of work, the two are busy and active. Natalia is an avid altitude runner and has run marathons for the past 30 years. Adrian loves to hike with their dogs and he also flips houses with his construction business.

Family time is the best time they agree; they share two children, Yasmine (22) and Renzo (17), who work at the restaurants when not in school. The family lives in Castle Rock with their five dogs.

Stop by this quaint spot for something sweet or something savory with coffee, wine or beer and get to know the family behind the business. To learn more, visit www.altaempanada.com.

 

 

Article and photos by Elean Gersack; photo courtesy of Natalia Fragapane