Food & Important Figures of Hispanic Heritage Month
Culture
September 29, 2022
For many, Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to reflect on the important contributions that Hispanics have made to the United States. It’s also a time to celebrate Hispanic culture — specifically, the food and the people.
Food plays a big role in Hispanic culture. Past generations took simple ingredients and created dishes that have become favorites around the world. These recipes have grown and evolved into the delicious meals we enjoy today. From traditional dishes like paella and enchiladas to more modern fare like ceviche and street tacos, Hispanic cuisine is as diverse as the people who enjoy it.
And speaking of diversity, Hispanics are a truly diverse group, coming from all corners of the globe. Whether you’re Cuban, Puerto Rican, Mexican, Chilean, or another nationality, there’s a good chance you’ll find something to enjoy during Hispanic Heritage Month.
For many of us here at Hacienda Colorado, Hispanic Heritage Month is a personal time to reflect on our roots and share our culture with others. It’s a chance to show the world that our food is more than just delicious — it’s a way of life. We invite you to come and celebrate with us. Try something new from our menu or order your favorite dish.
The People Behind Our Favorite Dishes
Hispanic food wouldn’t be the same without the people who create it. From world-renowned chefs to home cooks, Hispanics have a long history of sharing their culture through food.
Take, for example, Chef José Andrés. Originally from Spain, Andrés is one of the most celebrated chefs in the United States. He’s known for his creative take on Spanish cuisine, as well as his humanitarian work. During the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, Andrés fed thousands of people in Puerto Rico with his nonprofit organization, World Central Kitchen.
Hispanic Chefs are to thank for a lot of our favorite dishes as well. Sonny Falcón, an Austin meat market manager, popularized fajitas in 1969 when he opened the first commercial fajita taco stand. Otilia Garza also had a hand in introducing fajitas that same year at her restaurant in Pharr, Texas.
One of the more popular meals created by Hispanic Americans is the breakfast taco. Its creation is accredited to many different cities and Hispanic cooks in the 1950s, but mainstream popularity, according to some sources, didn’t happen until the 1980s in Texas.
The New Trend in Mexican Cuisine
Mexican-born Daniela Soto-Innes is one of the newest “up-and-coming” chefs, she is dominating the high-end Mexican food scene in New York City. She was named the World’s Best Female Chef by The World’s Best 50 Restaurants in 2019 and is the youngest chef to earn the title.
Of course, you don’t have to be a chef to enjoy Hispanic food. Home cooks play a vital role in keeping traditional recipes alive or making them unique to their families. In many Hispanic cultures, cooking is often seen as a way to show love and affection. As one Cuban saying goes, “lo que no se aprende en la escuela, se aprende en la cocina” (“what you don’t learn in school, you learn in the kitchen”).
Hacienda Colorado Inspiration
These culinary specialists and their recipes are the reason we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. We also love seeing Hispanic customs represented and shared with others, and cooking is one of the easiest ways to do this. Whether showing a friend a new dish or making your family’s favorite traditional meals, food is always one of the best ways to celebrate Hispanic culture.
So whether you’re in the mood for some delicious food or want to learn more about the rich culture of Hispanic traditions, take some time to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month this year. Visit Hacienda Colorado for some authentic Mexican food, listen to some Latin music, and enjoy the company of family and friends. This is a great time to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month!
Frequently Asked Questions About Hispanic Food and People
Who invented guacamole?
Guacamole and salsa have been dated to the 1500s, during the Aztec era. Aztecs are credited for many inventions and innovations, spanning far past just the culinary field.
Who is the most famous Hispanic American Chef?
Aarón Sánchez is one of the most well-known Hispanic American Chefs. He is a celebrity chef, restauranter, cookbook author, and philanthropist. Most known for being a judge on cooking shows like “Chopped” and “MASTERCHEF,” Sánchez also runs the Mexican restaurant Johnny Sanchez in New Orleans, Louisiana, and has published a number of cookbooks.
What is the best recipe for Hispanic Heritage Month?
While there are no specifics on what you should eat during Hispanic Heritage Month, many choose to make traditional recipes and meals to stay in touch with their Hispanic roots. Some perfect dishes to make would be tamales, elote, sopapillas, or arepas.