If you know Natty,
you know you're in
for a great meal and a good time.

¡Wepa! I'm Natty. If you know me, you know rice is in my DNA.

Paella, to me, is sharing. It's connection. It's unity, and we need that right now. I started making paellas when I got to Portland, but rice has always been one of my favorite things to eat. My dad and I made all kinds of rice together when I started culinary school. Sofrito, achiote, sweet plantain. Those are the island flavors I grew up with, and they travel with me into every pan.

Nolo is named after my dad. After he passed, I needed a space of my own, a place to feel like myself and honor him. Every time I cook, I feel him right there with me. Cooking keeps him close, and sharing paella keeps me from missing him so much.

More than a meal, it's nurturing. Sitting down to eat has always been one of my favorite things, especially with my family. Since they're far, I don't get to see them or do it as often as I'd like. So when I cook a dinner and see people sharing and enjoying the connection, it makes me smile, because it means my paella did that. Haha.

I've been making paella for a long time, always trying to make it better. Now I trust myself more. The kitchen is where I feel most alive, most honest, and closest to him.

Nolo began as a pop-up, and I'm so grateful for the colleagues and friends in the culinary world who helped me along the way. They believed in me, gave advice, and celebrated with me. I love doing pop-ups with them, and that community is a huge part of Nolo. I still do pop-ups, but intimate dinners are what I love most. I cook live at your place, bring the groceries, and clean up the kitchen when I'm done, so you can relax and enjoy the table.

I'm open to collabs, so shoot me a message. ¡Wepa!