About Mikasa AVL

Established locally in 2021, Mikasa AVL catering is owned by entrepreneur Ana Austin and Chef Santiago Vargas — both originally from Peru — and is an Asheville-based, full-service caterer. It is our mission to provide an exceptional international culinary experience: the quality of our cuisine and our outstanding service will execute your vision to perfection. We bring the fusion of Peru to your table — flavors to be remembered and a feast for your palate.

Peru is a country whose cuisine carries several influences — African, Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, and Italian. Its diverse microclimates and soil conditions allow the growth of countless vegetables, fruits, and crops that sustain an extensive gastronomy. Hence the success of Peruvian fusion with other cuisines: it allows a depth of flavor like no other and elevates dishes with an authentic, original twist.

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Explore our catering menus

Meet Ana & Santiago

Ana Austin

Co-Owner & Entrepreneur

Ana Austin was born in Lima, Peru. She studied Marketing and Advertising and worked in the advertising industry for many years. She moved to Florida in 1992 and attended Lynn University in Boca Raton, FL, where she obtained a business degree. During her years in Florida, she started a real estate business, working as an investor and a real estate broker. She is entrepreneurial, persistent, and creative, making her a successful businesswoman.

She is passionate about Peruvian flavors and has always dreamed of opening a Peruvian restaurant. When she moved to Asheville, she understood this city of diversity, fascinated with multicultural experiences. Her drive and tenacity, along with her excellent business sense, make her a creative entrepreneur who thrives when new challenges present.

Chef Santiago Vargas

Executive Chef & Co-Owner

Chef Santiago was born and raised in Lima, Peru. He was educated at Le Cordon Bleu in Lima, with a major in Hospitality Management & Gastronomy. With 24 years of experience catering premium weddings, he moved to the US in 2008 and has worked in several renowned restaurants in New York, preparing dishes ranging from high-end Italian cuisine to traditional barbecue. Among his accolades, he received praise for his work in Newsday, Long Island's press. Recently, he was featured on Skillet, a podcast highlighting food and memories of chefs living in America's Southern states.

Santiago has brought the very diverse Peruvian flavors to Asheville since 2015. He is passionate about his roots and can create rich and uniquely delicious dishes with the intricate flavors of Peruvian and international ingredients. He is creative and dedicated, and his talent is apparent when you try any of his dishes, crafted with love.

Our Values

Purpose

Mikasa wants to build a legacy. We are a brand that will be long-lasting and bring Peruvian cuisine to Western North Carolina and beyond.

Pride

We are proud of our culture and heritage. Peruvian gastronomy is not only about food — it's about history, culture, and idiosyncrasy. Large immigration throughout the centuries has made us a land of diversity and opportunity.

Integrity

We work with the community and local farmers to offer you the best seasonal quality ingredients. We are also committed to lessening our impact on the planet by using only bamboo disposables.

Tradition

Chef Santiago's most influential mentors were his father and mother. He first learned how to cook at home, then helped catering companies and learned about this industry — and even today, he still uses many of these techniques and traditions to prepare his creations. All the love for our country and families is part of every dish: Mikasa is about family, pride, tradition, and passion.

Bring the Fusion of Peru to Your Table

Tell us about your event and we'll send a catering proposal tailored to your celebration.

Request a Catering Proposal