Eva and Maite reflect on the highlights from the season and discuss the changing perceptions of Mexican food in the United States. Plus, award-winning Chef Ray Garcia, formerly of Broken Spanish and BS Taqueria, now of asterid in Downtown Los Angeles - shares his experiences as a Mexican-American breaking ground in the culinary world.

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Eva and Maite dive into the history of street vending and explore the backstory of the taco. Rudy Espinoza, executive director of Inclusive Action for the City, joins the show to share how his organization helps street vendors in Los Angeles. Plus, Hungry For History visits the Piñata District in Downtown LA to talk to Merced Sanchez, an activist and entrepreneur. 

Want to learn more about Inclusive Action for the City? Click here. 

Books discussed in this episode: 

• Planet Taco: A Global History of Mexican Food, Jeffery Pilcher
• Los Angeles Street Food: A History from Tamaleros to Taco Trucks, Farley Elliott
• Food, Health, and Culture in Latino Los Angeles, Sarah Portnoy

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On this episode, Eva and Maite explore the history of the mighty potato which was first cultivated in Peru by the Inca people thousands of years ago. 

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Did you know most chiles found around the world originated in Mexico? On this episode, Eva and Maite explore the vast history of chiles and even do a taste test along the way! Plus, friend of the show Ivan Vasquez, owner of Madre Restaurants in Los Angeles, returns to share his thoughts on how important chiles are in Oaxacan cuisine and as part of his culture as a whole. 

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In this episode of Hungry For History, we explore how the past has contributed to today's exploitation of farm workers. From the Spanish Conquest in Mesoamerica to the Bracero Program, the establishment of the United Farm Workers of America, and the aftermath of NAFTA - Eva and Maite analyze the dynamics that affect the people who feed us.

Want to watch Eva's documentary Food Chains? Learn how here!

Follow Narsiso Martinez's work here.

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What started off as a treat only enjoyed by the elite soon took over as a yummy bite that all could enjoy. Eva and Maite dive into the origins of nieve (ice cream) and also explore how this dessert was elevated when sugar was added. Plus - chef/owner Fany Gerson, of La Newyorkina (a frozen treats and baked goods shop in New York) joins the show to talk about why she decided to open up a company dedicated to the sweetness of Mexico. 

Maite's Recipes:
Tequila Ice Cream (Yummy with Mezcal, too!)
Acocado Coconut Sorbet
Hibiscus Lime Granita

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Eva and Maite explore the backstory of this delicious vegetable that was first cultivated in Mesoamerica. From seeds to salsa, marinara to ketchup, to its bad reputation when it arrived to Europe - the history of the tomato is a unique one. Also on this episode, chef/owner of Holbox Restaurant in Los Angeles, Gilberto Cetina, joins us to talk about how the tomato is a jack of all trades.

Maite's Gazpacho Recipe

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Here’s a little-known fact you might not have known... The beer industry might be dominated by men today but women were the original brewers and played a vital role in beer’s popularity! In this episode, Eva and Maite explore beer’s fascinating history. Plus - Carmen Velasco Favela, owner and founder of Mujeres Brew House, an all-female run / Latina-owned craft beer company in San Diego, CA joins the show.

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The Mexican torta is a sandwich stuffed with some of the most delicious ingredients Mexico has to offer including beans, avocado, queso, jalapeños, and of course meat. Although the history of its origin is debated, the result of its influence is clear. In this episode, Eva and Maite dive into the history of this Mexican staple. Also, Chef Bryan Ford whose new podcast, The Flaky Biscuit, launches on April 11th sends us his thoughts on the luscious torta!

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Eva and Maite celebrate Women's History Month by diving into the past to explore two Latinas from California who revolutionized cookbooks - Encarnación Pinedo and Elena Zelayeta. Plus, Chef Claudette Zepeda of Top Chef fame sends us a message!

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On this special episode of Hungry For History we celebrate two Afro-Mexican food establishments in Los Angeles, CA. One is a food truck in the city of Watts that has been around for almost 30 years called, Tamales Elena y Antojitos - the other is Pan Estilo Copala, a bakery tucked away in a garage and located in Compton. Plus, Ebony Bailey, a self-proclaimed Blaxican, joins Eva and Maite to talk about her work exploring cultural intersections, diaspora, and social movements. 

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