Derdlim (Lopez) Masten came to the United States from Venezuela in November of 2000. She came to Elkins, West Virginia to visit and stay with her cousin Thais. During her stay in Randolph County she grew very fond of the town of Elkins. A year after arriving here she met her husband to be, Rob Masten, playing in a local salsa band. Derdlim grew up dancing to the music of salsa and merengue and noticed that Rob needed a little help with his moves. Once she showed him how to dance it was all over and the two were married on May 25th, 2002.
Derdlim has over ten years of experience cooking and catering in Venezuela. She studied cooking at I.N.C.E. in Merida, Venezuela. She noticed that finding authentic Latin cuisine is very difficult in the United States, much less West Virginia and decided to bring her native cuisine to Elkins.
Rob Masten, a music teacher in Tucker County, was offered the opportunity to study music, dance, and Spanish in Venezuela for one month. Not only were the music and dance great, but the food was fantastic too! And so an idea was born. Derdlim and Rob wanted to bring back the best of Latin American culture, food, and dance to Randolph County. After returning to the United States, they began to combine their ideas to open a restaurant serving authentic Latin food.
Here your coming down for Thanksgiving... I got you hooked up with the cowboy special at the Best Western down the street. No need to thank me... Your my boy! GO STEELERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for all the good times and great tunes! I am only 500 miles away from Flagstaff... but I'll be back in July and there better be some Rob Masten sax blowin' goin' on! (Like there wouldn't be?!?)
It was great seeing you this weekend! Sorry I didn't make it to your show...but I guess were even now ;) It was a pleasure meeting your beautiful family and having brunch with you guys. I'm looking forward to coming back in the spring, and the Friday of Bluesweek sounds like a blast! I can't wait!!!
