Putting aside the bright advertisement, and fanfare surrounding the products at the Fancy Food Show in San Francisco a few weeks ago, I went about sampling and rating what I consider the top five products from the Spanish and Portuguese-speaking exhibitors. I was especially impressed by the Andean region and Spain, whose products seem to be not only exquisitely delicious but have a certain honesty...
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About: Norma Vega
Recent Posts by Norma Vega
LatinoFoodie Attends 2013 Winter Fancy Food Show in San Francisco
This year’s Winter Fancy Food Show at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, held Jan. 20-22 was one of two high-profile conventions for the specialty food industry. Chefs and restaurant owners, retailers, manufacturers, importers, and members of the media attended this large gathering of professional “foodies”, where exhibitors from the U.S. and more than 32 countries showcased their products in their full glory in order...
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The Arabic Connection: Tacos Árabes, Kibe and Lebanese Immigration in Mexico
Have you been to an authentic Italian restaurant lately? Ever had authentic Yucatecan food? In the mood for authentic Cuban lechón? Every time I see or hear the word ‘authentic’ used to describe a cuisine I can’t help but to have a slight smirk on my face, because, simply stated, when it comes to the creation of a cuisine, this category is especially… well, how...
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Lenten Gastronomy in the Spanish-speaking World
If you grew up in a Latino family you will recognize many of the following dishes: Fish, Tortas de Camarón con Chile Colorado (Egg and Shrimp patties with Red Sauce), Calabacitas (Zucchini), Caldo de Queso (Sonora’s signature Cheese Soup), Verdolagas (Purslane) and other greens*** are among traditional Mexican dishes. Many simple peasant dishes throughout the Spanish-speaking world consist of adding greens into a staple food. Examples...
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A Time for Play, a Time for Sacrifice: a Brief History of Carnival and Lent
In our contemporary culture, where daily addictions abound on just about anything from indulging in too much chocolate, shopping, or junk food, it’s hard to conceive of a time when vices were actually permissible, at least for a brief time. The period I’m referring to, of course, is Carnival!* Whether we conjure up images of elegant masks of the Venetian Carnival or the tossing of...
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