English

Hello Catira! Venezuelan flavor with soul

MANUEL SUCRE’S DREAM IN GREENWOOD VILLAGE

Newsroom El Comercio de Colorado

Haga click aquí para leer la versión en español

Manuel Sucre’s eyes light up when he says “Catira.” He’s not just referring to the name of his restaurant, but to a life project that blends nostalgia, roots, hard work, and a strong desire to share the flavor of Venezuela with the world. Catira began as a modest family idea, but today it’s a vibrant reality in Greenwood Village, where diners can enjoy everything from a traditional arepa to a gourmet empanada made with heart.

Sucre arrived in Colorado several years ago, leaving behind a career in Venezuela but bringing along the flavors that shaped him. Sucre refers to what he calls “queso telita, shredded beef, pabellón, strong coffee, and December hallacas.” “This restaurant represents who we are as a family, as a culture, as a country. Here we serve dishes that connect us to our history and can also become a bridge to other cultures,” Sucre explains.

The word “Catira”

The name of the restaurant pays homage to a typical Venezuelan expression of affection. “In my house, saying ‘Catira’ meant tenderness. We wanted something that evoked warmth, closeness, and also that look of joy when someone tastes something delicious,” he says with a laugh, noting that “Catira” is also his nickname for his wife.

The journey hasn’t been easy. Starting a restaurant is a challenge—especially in a different country with a different food culture. “We had to learn everything, from how to manage permits to how to source authentic ingredients. But it’s been worth it. Customers come in curious and leave in love with the food,” says Sucre.

The menu is designed to be accessible, tasty, and authentic. The arepas—made to order—can be filled with pork, reina pepiada (a chicken and avocado mix), asado negro, or more creative combinations. Fresh juices and homemade desserts round out the experience. “But the most important part is the warmth of our team, which makes every guest feel at home.”

Teamwork

Sucre challenges everyone who has never tried an arepa. “Here, you can discover a new culinary culture. The arepa is just the beginning,” he says. Catira has also become a school for his family and for everyone involved in the business—teaching not just cooking, but also commitment, identity, and hard work. “This restaurant is a way to show where we come from and how to work hard to achieve our dreams,” Sucre says.