Meet Asa Padilla | Foodie and Business Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Asa Padilla and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Asa, what do you attribute your success to?
I feel the most important part of my success and meaning of my brand is due to the 12+ years working in the food industry from a server all the way up to a Director of Dining Services. The opportunity to manage a kitchen not just one but 3 on one property, this was for luxury retirement communities around the valley. Giving me the experience and knowledge in the food industry from the daily operates of running a restaurant from the front of the house to the back of the house. I learned to plan a weekly menu, work with dietary restrictions, network with vendors based off an annual budget cost to buy groceries for the restaurants. Occasionally this meant working on the line as well when I was down a chef. I also made sure to still assist my staff in daily needs of the restaurant. This was to help build a work relationship and connection that shows my employees, even though I made it to Manager or Director; I still no where I started from. I gained a lot of respect.
I also learned the importance of hospitality service and far it goes. I carry this with me til this day. It’s what makes or breaks my experience at an establishment.

My dining experience starts as I pull into the parking lot. I look at the aesthetics and maintenance of the outside area all the way up to the entrance. Is it clean and kept up.
I like to see how I am greeted when I arrive or if I am greeted at all.
Time management of seating is important especially if I booked a reservation.
Being greeted at the table, your body mannerism says a lot.
Did my waiter go over the specials of the day. Are they knowledgeable of their menu.
Now to taking my order, accuracy is important as I sometimes modify or make substitutions,
Does my waiter/waitress bring the proper accompaniments that go with entrees and sides.
Do I have a steak knife or was I ever brought a place setting. Nothing worse then receiving your hot food and now your waiting for steak sauce or silverware. Yikes! Now my foods getting cold.
How about the time management of the table.
Did they acknowledge me, did they stay on top of refills, do they follow up shortly after meal deliver to follow up and see how things are going or if anything is needed.
I look for quality and consistency. I look for freshness and presentation of the plates.
If fine dining I would hope they read the profile and stay on top of requests (chilled martini glass at all times) this means rotating my glass throughout dinner service. My 1# Fine Dining Ocean 44, Impeccable service every time.
I love to see the managers roaming throughout the dining areas and doing follow ups with there guest. I like to share feedback on my experience and service. I feel like it goes a long way.

As managers they do not always know how their staff interactions are with guest, This allows for the employee to be acknowledged for a job well done.
Their have been times where an experience does not go so well. I like to discuss the issue privately if possible even if it means stepping away from my table to discuss with a manager. I give my honest opinion and feedback. In hopes the employee, management or restaurant as a whole can learn and grow from the experience.

There are so many aspects to making a dining experience successful! We can only hope for the best we when dine out to spend our hard earned money.

What should our readers know about your business?
Content Creating is not my full time gig. I do this more as a passion and appreciation for the food industry.
I run my own business, ASAP Mobile Notary and Licensing Service. I operate the business operations on my own, this can be very time consuming and take away from content creating. My business comes first as it is my bread and butter. It’s what pays the bills and allows me the freedom to create on the side.

I offer an elite service to dealers in the Scottsdale area. I process their clients, plates, title, registration without the client having to step foot into a MVD office. Some of these clients are Arizona residents some are out of state residents, some buyers are celebrities and high profile figures. I never know who I will be working with. They are all treated the same and I respect their privacy.
I am grateful for the opportunity to cross paths, shake hands and say Hi. That’s enough for me! My clients know they always have direct access to me and a reputable agent to assist with their MVD needs.

I started this business during COVID, as a struggling mother with a child at home doing online learning. I had a job I could no longer be at full time. I needed to figure out how to bring a steady income to the table. I wasn’t sure how long I would have to be home with my child. So I pulled out my business plans I had tucked away and started working on it. I knew I had to put it into action in order to see if I could be successful and provide an income for my son and I. It took a few months to build up and get it rolled. I was now gaining dealer clients. My business has been based mainly off referrals and return clients. It has been a great experience that has brought me so many networking opportunities and business relationships. I also had a great time working with Barrett Jackson clients during auction time for several years. Those clients have now become long time clients that continue to support my business.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well there is so much to see and do in this beautiful state of Arizona.
I would have to say upon arrival for a one week stay I would have a nice dinner planned preferably on a Sunday evening at Tapas Papas Fritas where you can enjoy a dinner experience with an amazing live band overlooking Scottsdale Waterfront. We would then nestle in afterwards and prepare for the days ahead. We would plan a poolside day experience at the newly renovated Hyatt Regency Gainey Resort, Make a brunch stop in at The Bread and Honey House, definitely have to grab street tacos from Tacos Don Hector or Bravos Tacos Prime that’s just to name a few. How about a splash paint party at Spin Art, visit hole in the rock a landmark in AZ, take a trip to Sedona for the day and enjoy the scenery and a live music and dinner at The Secret Garden Cafe. Make a stop by The Goose Bar for a chill yet elegant dining experience. We definitely have to make a dinner reservation at my must try restaurant for one amazing dining experience, this is Ocean 44. We would have to make a stop to check out the luxury dealers I work with and their luxurious indoor showrooms. Maybe take a car out for a test drive. There is so many things to see and do in AZ. This is just a few!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have to thank Kay with @azfoodguy I attended one of his @azfoodpass events as a member and was amazed at what an influencer does and how they do it. This is honestly what sparked me starting my food page.
Natasha with @az_familyadventures was very welcoming into the foodie community.
I appreciate the connection I made with Brenda @moxie.studio, she does great photography work and has also given some tips on being a creator.

I appreciate these foodie/creator relationships made, the connections and events I am invited out too.
I have to thank the local businesses I have worked with and continue to support. It means a lot to receive your feedback, thoughts on content and words of encouragement. Thank you!
It has been a great journey so far and I look forward to the road ahead.

Instagram: azfoodboss

Yelp: Asa P.

Other: TikTok @azfoodboss

Image Credits
Cover photo taken by Sonja Stafford with Sonja Stafford Photography at the Modern Day Wife Event 2023, The W Scottsdale.

The Hawaiian photo taken by AZFoodBoss at Houston’s in Scottsdale.

Bacon Clothesline and Cocktails photo taken by AzFoodBoss at Wicked Wolf Glendale.

Carlsbad Strawberry Farm photo taken by AzFoodBoss in Carlsbad, Ca.

Business logo created by Kobowork
For my business