Our Story
Alexandra and Liliana Reyes are two sisters who were born and raised in an impoverished area of Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic. When they were six and seven, their parents moved the family to San Juan, Puerto Rico, in search of a better life and to be closer to extended family. Alex and Lili found themselves surrounded by strong female family members, two being beloved Aunt Ramona and big sister Milly. Around the ages of nine and ten, Aunt Ramona and Milly took the girls under their wings and started teaching them how to cook. They took inspiration from their big sister and aunt who brought tremendous work ethic, grit, and determination to the equation.
In their early 20s, Alex and Lili came to the United States in search of the “American Dream” and to open up a restaurant. As daunting of a dream it was, they started out as housekeepers at area hotels and bodegas. While they settled into their new jobs and into their new home, they continued nursing a dream of creating their own unique restaurant where they could use the cooking skill and family recipes they learned in their family kitchen.
Not satisfied with working for someone else, they started their own cleaning companies in order to make and save more money to fulfill their dream. For over ten years, Alex and Lili have owned and operated Spotless Sisters Cleaning, LLC and Lili’s Gleaming Cleaning, LLC all the while raising their children, working long hours, and saving their money.
In late 2019, the opportunity arose to open a restaurant on Lark Street in Albany, NY. Adani’s Kitchen became an instant hit and even though they were blindsided by the pandemic in 2020, they continued serving their delicious food as takeout to their loyal customers. Ultimately, they had to shutter the restaurant, not due to the pandemic, but due to the landlord not renewing the lease.
After they lost their lease and the pandemic put a new spin on life, the duo decided they didn’t want to wait any longer to achieve their dream of opening a restaurant together so they started making plans. As those plans unfolded, the sisters found a restaurant space on Delaware Avenue in Albany and everything fell into place!
Alex and Lili are passionate about bringing authentic Dominican, Soul, and American food to the DELSO area. They want people to experience their culture, where they come from, and to taste different flavors.
In conclusion, the name Sabor a Campo, which translated means “Taste of Country” is intended to conjure up a relaxed homey comfort with a familial feeling. It has a comfortable and casual neighborhood type vibe and will lend itself to the type of setting that makes customers feel at home. Buen Provecho!