Roberto Cortez, chef and co-owner of Asada restaurant, passed away Dec. 14.
The beloved Latin fusion eatery posted the news on social media.
“Asada Restaurant is sad to announce the untimely passing of our chef and co-owner of Asada, Roberto Cortez, on December 14,” the Instagram post read. “He was a beloved husband, brother, uncle, son and artist who was loved by all. Please keep Gina, the family, and our amazing staff in your prayers and send us lots of love. We will announce a memorial date soon.”
Cortez was born in Nicaragua on Feb. 9, 1969. He grew up in both Nicaragua and Mexico following the Nicaraguan revolution so his father could attend school for ophthalmology. Later, Cortez moved to San Francisco, attending San Francisco State University to study industrial design.
It was in there that he met his wife, Gina Cortez-Petti. The two lived in the city’s Mission District, which would later help to form Asada’s central cuisine. They later moved to Greenville to get away from the “California rat race” in a more affordable city.
Drawing inspiration from the couple’s time in the the Mission District, Cortez’ upbringing in Central America and Petti’s Japanese and Italian heritage, the two created Asada first as a food truck in 2012.
After spending some time in Mac Arnold’s in the Village of West Greenville, Asada moved to its own spot at 903 Wade Hampton Blvd. in 2015.
In his spare time, he enjoyed biking, his painting and spending time with his family and dogs.
“He was definitely my best friend for 24 years,” Cortez-Petti said. “It’s going to be hard to navigate my life without him.”
Cortez leaves behind a legacy in Greenville’s culinary scene and many devotees of his cuisine.
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