Page 34 - Best Magazine Summer Edition 2017

By: Mary Luz Mejia
As a food and culinary travel journalist for over a decade, I half-jokingly say that tacos are the
"gateway" food to the Americas. Throughout much of Canada, most have savoured the humble Mexican street food. Over a decade ago, however, looking for a good taco was like searching for a unicorn. Now, taquerias have popped up across the country, offering a spate of Latin-esque or family recipes alongside mezcal and tequila.
I asked three locally based Latin American chefs for their perspectives on how Latin food is shaping the Canadian culinary landscape. ˜
Carlos Fuenmayor,
Chef/Owner of Sabrosito Catering, Teacher and Latin American Food Ambassador Home Countries:
Colombia and Venezuela
"Historically, Latinos have been part of the Canadian culinary landscape. In fact,
a few years ago, our Canadian
Top Chef winner was a
contestant with Mexican roots.
I've been working to celebrate and promote our cuisine for over 12 years now and I've noticed that in the last decade, great Latin restaurants have opened up all over Canada. Latin chefs across the country are helping to disseminate our culinary traditions and foods. It's been a long process, but with talented chefs and festivals in Toronto and beyond that celebrate our food and culture, we've come a long way."
Luis Cordoba Manuel,
Chef/Owner of Arepa Republic Food Truck and catering outfit, Mango Pinton
Home Country: Venezuela
"The local market is beginning to understand the diversity of Latin American food, which is much more than tacos and burritos. In our experience, Canadians love our cuisine, specifically Venezuelan Arepas. They're new to a lot of people, and perceived as a fresh, tasty and healthy option that also
happens to be gluten free. What is coming down the pipe? I cannot read the future, but I imagine new and authentic Latin American dishes, different to what's in the market today."
Steve Gonzalez,
the Most Famous Latin Chef in Canada is Chef/Co- Owner of Baro in Toronto. Home Country: Colombia
"I think Latin American food is hot right now. It's definitely adding to the Canadian culinary landscape. Look around, everyone has a ceviche on their menu. When I was coming up as a cook, there weren't Latino chefs cooking Latino food. I had to move to Miami to learn. Now with social media and access to the internet, recipes and ideas are easier to obtain. As for the future, I envision there being a lot more Latino restaurants across the country."
MUNDO Y GENTE
Canadian Culinary Evolution Latin Style
34 THE BEST MAGAZINE WINTER 2016 - 2017
WORLD & PEOPLE
N
E
-
T
R
E
P
S
R
S
E
E
N
E
N
U
I
R
S
U
S
B
-
-
M
S
A
E
E
T
R
-
s
V
I
C
E