News Summary
San Diego honors Hispanic Heritage Month by showcasing the contributions of regional Mexican cuisine, highlighting three renowned chefs. Raul Casillas, José Cepeda, and Steven Torres share their passion for authentic flavors, reflecting the diverse culinary traditions of Mexico. Though celebrations face challenges, the chefs emphasize the importance of cultural understanding through food, enriching community connections.
San Diego is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month by highlighting the contributions of regional Mexican cuisine through the talents of three renowned chefs. Hispanic Heritage Month is observed annually in the U.S. from September 15 to October 15, serving as a platform to showcase the significant cultural contributions of Hispanic communities in America. This year, San Diego’s vibrant culinary scene is at the forefront of these celebrations, with chefs passionate about authentic Mexican flavors.
Raul Casillas has recently taken on the role of Creative Chef at Puesto, a restaurant known for its innovative take on Mexican fare. Growing up in a border area that includes San Diego, San Ysidro, Mexicali, and Tijuana, Casillas honed his cooking skills in his grandmother’s kitchen. His impressive culinary background includes experience in Michelin-starred establishments such as L’atelier in Las Vegas and Valle in Oceanside. At Puesto, Casillas is committed to showcasing the diversity of regional Mexican cuisines with menu items like the CDMX Ribeye Taco and a monthly Taco of the Month featuring traditional dishes such as cochinita pibil and pulpo.
In addition, Chef José Cepeda works at the Lafayette Hotel’s Quixote, where he specializes in Oaxacan cuisine. With generational knowledge passed down from his grandmother, who ran restaurants, Cepeda brings rich culinary traditions to his dishes. Having worked in notable Los Angeles restaurants, he incorporates open-fire cooking techniques, enhancing the authenticity of his offerings. Cepeda also leads a cocktail program that prominently features mezcal and other Mexican distillates, adding depth to the Oaxacan dining experience. Identifying as an LGBTQIA+ leader, he contributes to reshaping perceptions of traditional Mexican cuisine.
Meanwhile, Steven Torres, who grew up in Calexico, draws inspiration from family gatherings in shaping his culinary perspective. Along with his husband, he co-founded The Sweet & Savory Collective, an enterprise that encompasses Stella Jean’s Ice Cream and Pop Pie Co. Named in honor of Torres’ father, Pop Pie Co. elevates comfort food by incorporating cultural heritage. Torres is dedicated to establishing neighborhood spots that celebrate Mexican roots while fostering community inclusion and resilience.
These three chefs exemplify a growing trend in San Diego towards authentic regional Mexican cuisine. Their work underlines the idea that Mexican food is not monolithic; rather, it is a collection of distinct regional traditions that deserve recognition and celebration. Celebrations not only include food but also traditional music and dance, aiming to educate communities about Hispanic cultures.
This year’s celebrations, however, have faced challenges due to the current political climate. Some organizers have had to postpone or cancel events for safety concerns, underscoring the complex environment in which Hispanic Heritage Month is observed.
The historical context of Hispanic Heritage Month dates back to 1968, when it began as Hispanic Heritage Week, later extending to a full month in 1988. Several significant dates during this month, including the independence days of multiple Latin American countries, serve as reminders of the rich history and contributions of these cultures.
As the celebration unfolds, the emphasis on cultural understanding and storytelling through food is becoming increasingly important. The culinary contributions from chefs like Casillas, Cepeda, and Torres play a vital role in preserving and promoting the diverse heritages celebrated during Hispanic Heritage Month.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
San Diego Coffee Shops Present Unique Fall Beverages
Celebrating Mexican Independence Day in San Diego County
San Diego County Celebrates Mexican Independence Day
Weekend Events in San Diego: Live Music, Grape Stomping, and More
Labor Day Weekend Events in San Diego
Downtown Chula Vista Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month
Additional Resources
- There’s San Diego: Hispanic Heritage Month Chefs
- Wikipedia: Hispanic Heritage Month
- Portland Thorns Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
- Google Search: Hispanic Heritage Month Events 2023
- NBC San Diego: Fear Threatens Celebrations
- Google Scholar: Hispanic Cultural Contributions
- Fox 5 San Diego: MTS Pronto Card for Hispanic Heritage Month
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hispanic Heritage Month
- Fox 5 San Diego: Designer Turns Old Clothes into Cultural Statements
- Google News: Hispanic Heritage Month San Diego
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
