Kendall Schroeder is passionate about culinary arts.
Juan Baeza | El Defensor Chieftain

Socorro’s small community has become a home for Kendall Schroeder.

What do you do?

Culinary has always been my passion. So, making this food cart has literally been my dream job. Originally, I wanted to do something like a Michelin star restaurant and then I went and worked in one. That was just way too much, so I decided to start small and do this little business. Ever since I moved here, I’ve been working on this project and it has really come together these last couple of months.

How did you get into cooking?

I have always loved cooking. Growing up I would always cook meals at home. Typically, it was spaghetti because I was young. I grew up watching master chef, Gordon Ramsey and just all those cooking shows. I got my first job in the kitchen when I was 14. Up in Montana you can start working at 14. I knew I loved it after working in my first kitchen, especially when I make something and you see that person take a bite and you see their eyes light up knowing you just made their day. That’s all I want. Just to make good food for people.

How long have you lived in Socorro?

Four years in August. My husband has about two years left at Tech. I don’t know if we’ll stay here, it will depend on where he gets a job. Hence the name of my business is the Wandering Scorpion — we may go wherever.

What do you like about Socorro?

I love Socorro. It has really grown on me. At first, I was like “oh no this is such a small town,” but now this is my safe place. This is my home. We go up to Montana and I’ll be thinking “I can’t wait to go home.” My Socorro, I love that it is so quiet. It’s by Albuquerque but it’s far enough distance where it can be a quick day trip. Everyone is so friendly; you go up to my hometown and not so friendly. Everyone seems to be mad up there but down here everyone wishes you a great day. It’s awesome.

What would you like to see change in Socorro?

I would like to see a dog park. Somewhere we can all let our dogs go. Just a place to socialize  our dogs. That would be great.

What are some of your hobbies?

I tumble rocks. This has been a really fun place to find rocks. It’s like a can that tumbles and polishes the rocks. It lets you see what the rock really looks like.

What’s your go to karaoke song?

“Don’t stop me now” by Queen.

Who are some of your favorite artists?

Queen of course. Post Malone, Halsey, Rob Zombie, Sublime.

If you could have dinner with one person (dead or alive) who would it be?

That’s a hard one but I would probably go with Jesus, just because I have so many questions.

Juan Baeza, El Defensor Chieftain Intern