It’s time to take your tastebuds to South America—La Cocina Pura is open at Verity Lane Market

Posted on 3 August, 2023

Empanadas, Barbeque Asado, and more—serving up some of the best dishes from South America, La Cocina Pura is now open at Verity Lane Market.

Specialising in authentic South American cuisine, La Cocina Pura promises to showcase all the freshness and “pureness” found in South American cooking, giving foodies another option to treat their tastebuds in the city.

“Our food is unique as there is nothing like it in the city, so we hope to bring new flavours and tastes to our customers,” says Owner and Head Chef, Mario Gonzalez.

“Our menu is diverse and can cater to groups of people, our paella dishes can be ordered in larger sizes to share with friends alongside entrada (entrée), en salada (salads), and postres, (dessert).”

With dishes full of mouth-watering aromas and flavours, highlights include Grilled Prawn & Papaya Salad with a lime chilli dressing, traditional seafood Paella, a Spanish Board with Serrano ham, chorizo, Spanish olives, Manchego cheese, quince, nuts, dried fruits and biscuits and Pera el Postre—a winter pear, poached in black sherry with seasonal berries.

Growing up engulfed in the South American culture in his hometown of Chile, Gonzalez’s passion for cooking began at the age of about 10 years old and he’s excited to deliver a delightful array of fresh and harmoniously balanced flavours to the market.

“I’ve been a chef since 2012 and have worked in catering ever since, including running my own successful catering business ‘Latino Catering’,” Gonzalez explains.

“Now, I have the freedom to pursue my passion, and my dream has come true to open my own restaurant, Pure Kitchen, also known as La Cocina Pura.”

“We are excited to be a part of Verity Lane Market and the diversity of cultures that are present at the venue,” he adds.

Now open for lunch and dinner, Tuesday to Saturday it’s time to take yourself to South America.

Photography: Zachary Griffith at Botanist Creative.