HK's Contributors

Founder

I founded Hispanic Kitchen in 2009 to celebrate Latin food. I believed, and continue to believe, that the foods of more than 50 million Americans have not received the attention they deserve from traditional print and TV. The creation of HK is my way of helping to correct this problem, and I’m thrilled to have you here as part of this community, which grows every single day. My goal is to provide a connection to the flavors and smells of our ancestral kitchens, from Mexico to Cuba to Argentina and everywhere in between. I am a native of Miami. My family emigrated to the United States from Cuba in 1961, shortly after the communist revolution. Though I have never visited Cuba (and will not until it is free of dictatorship), its tastes and culture are never far: Miami is home to the largest Cuban community outside of the island. Miami, too, is home to many other large Latin communities, among them Colombian, Venezuelan, Nicaraguan, Peruvian, Argentinian, Mexican, Puerto Rican and Spanish. I can think of no better city than Miami to enjoy and appreciate wonderful cuisines from across the Americas. Living in this melting pot of Latin flavor helped spark my vision for creating Hispanic Kitchen 
— 
a place we can all call home.

Thumbs up for: Ceviche de Pescado.


Thumbs down for: Olives! No matter what kind, I hate ’em!

Want to reach Jorge? Drop him a line at Jorge@HispanicKitchen.com

Resident Chef

I was born and raised in Los Angeles, the daughter of Ramiro and Blanca Mendez, both born in Monterrey, Mexico. Our family was big: My parents had eight kids, four of whom were born in Mexico, and the other four in California. For as long as I could remember, cooking was always a special time, some of the happiest times. In the early 80’s my parents moved us to Houston, Texas, where they opened a small Mexican taquería. They ran it for a few years, but times were tough and had to close it down. That is where I got my real taste for cooking! My love for cooking Mexican food comes from my parents, who are no longer with me... I hope to honor their memory by continuing the traditions of our family.


Thumbs up for: My Mom’s pork chile colorado 
— colorado for its color of deep, rich reds of the dried chile ancho and guajillo peppers.


Thumbs down for: Lima beans! It’s the one food that I just cannot seem to find a love for!

Want to reach Sonia? Drop her a line at Sonia@HispanicKitchen.com

Contributor & Video Curator

I’m proud to be a contributor on Hispanic Kitchen because I love sharing recipes and food stories with others. I’m passionate about Hispanic food and cooking in general, and it’s exciting to help fellow foodies discover new flavors and techniques, as well as the history behind the diverse dishes that make up Latin cuisine. Virtually all of the recipes and photos that I’ve featured on Hispanic Kitchen revolve around the foods of Argentina, as I’m married to an Argentine and currently living at the bottom of South America. I try to get the word out about Argentine food, since most Americans don’t know much about it. In addition to posting recipes, I curate videos on Hispanic Kitchen, making sure to select content that is useful and entertaining for our community.


Thumbs up for: Empanadas.

Thumbs down for: Eggs! I don’t mind when they’re playing a supporting role in a recipe, for example, in a cake, but I can’t stand them on their own.

Contributing Chef

I’m a native of Puerto Rico and a chef, advocate, and champion of the Latino experience. I’m a Food and Nutrition Expert for AARP’s online Spanish language food channel, and I host a weekly online cooking program for AARP/VIVA. I also teach recreational cooking classes at The Institute of Culinary Education (ICE) in New York City. I am a believer in healthy, enjoyable living, seasonal cooking, outdoor activities, and my recipes reflect both my roots and my passions. Outside the kitchen, I serve as Executive Director for The Joseph A. Unanue Institute for Latin Studies at Seton Hall University, where I help to inspire, educate and empower Seton Hall students to become the next generation of Latino leaders. Prior to my work as a chef and educator, I was an Emmy Award-winning journalist and news anchor at Telemundo and Univision, and I was honored with the Edward R. Murrow Award for excellence in investigative reporting.


Thumbs up for: Fruits and veggies (with one exception)!


Thumbs down for: Okra! I have prepared it and tried it every which way, and by now it’s more a “majadería mía” (outright rejection) than its taste.


Contributing Chef

I was born in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico and raised in Venezuela, Spain and the Canary Islands and now live in New York City. Being a part of Hispanic Kitchen is a wonderful experience. Sharing my recipes whether they are traditional or thought up at the spur or the moment gets my creative juices flowing. HK has brought together a great group of talented cooks and chefs and I feel proud to be part of this experience, a home for us to contribute, explore and learn from each other.


Thumbs up for: Mofongo con mucho chicharrón!


Thumbs down for: Okra! Just the thought of having to cook that slimy, horrible little veggie makes me crazy.