Where credit is due
Marcos Hernandez, Marlee Pincus, Catherine Martin, Damien Kerner
In this project, we are crafting a vibrant menu and vision board that pays homage to the diversity and authenticity of Latin American cuisine. We made sure to choose nontraditional foods native to Mexico and Central American countries in order to foster a deeper appreciation for the diversity of these cuisines. Beyond simply presenting a list of foods from these countries, “Where Credit is Due” adds an elegant and luxurious flavor to all these meals.
We’ve discovered that many of the dishes we feature have Latin American origins, including influences from countries like Mexico, Peru, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, and other Central American nations. Our aim is to fuse typical American architectural styles with those from these Latin American countries. The predominant style in our restaurant is ‘Hacienda’, characterized by special clay roof tiles and thick, stucco walls, offering excellent protection from the sun. This style is envisioned for the main dining area, as highlighted in the central image of our vision board. Hacienda-style furnishings and decor incorporate Spanish-inspired materials and designs. To enhance the ambiance, we plan to adorn the walls with sombreros, as well as Latin-inspired murals and paintings.
In addition, we’ve introduced cacti and other plants native to Central America to create a serene dining environment that reflects the culture we celebrate.
Our restaurant’s design is grounded and earthy, with abundant greenery to connect our guests with nature and the origins of our food. This setting is not only intended to provide a sense of grounding but also to honor and acknowledge the Latin American roots of many popular dishes in America.
We’ve strived for elegance in our establishment to elevate and pay homage to these foods, celebrating their rightful place and recognition in the culinary world.
Exploring my Puerto Rican-ness through Pernil
Noëlle Romero
Dish to Share
Growing up, I felt very disconnected to my culture. But, it was through meals that I found a piece of my identity. Alongside the arroz con gandules, pernil was a staple meal that I looked forward to every year. I remember watching my mother cook it in the early hours of the morning on Thanksgiving and thinking to myself that I couldn’t wait until I was old enough to help out. For our collective display, I would like to share this dish with my peers and provide a small excerpt about what pernil means to me in the context of my Latina identity.
Reconnecting Through Taste
Kelly Lannon
Dish to Share
Growing up in the United States, I felt disconnected from my Argentine roots, connecting to my culture only through the stories from my mother and grandparents. However, baking and cooking became my avenue to bridge that gap, allowing me to delve into the heart of my culture in my own way. Making alfajores, I weave memories of my childhood, blending the aromas and tastes that once felt distant into a tangible connection to my heritage. These dulce de leche-filled treats embody not only the sweetness of a cherished family recipe but also the sweetness of rediscovery—a testament to the power of food in nurturing cultural ties and fostering a deeper sense of belonging.
“Cuysito”
Sherla Zhagnay
Dish to share
The name Cuysito is something stemming from when I was a child and first experienced this dish. In my family we call this dish Cuysito a form of endearment to the traditional dish and as a form of love for our culture as Ecuadorians. The name of this specific food is called Cuy, it is seasoned and roasted Guinea pig from Ecuador that is normally accompanied with baked potatoes, rice, lettuce, and a peanut sauce. I believe that a connection to one’s culture can be made through food, it is something stronger than language. Food is something universal and can bring people together through its enjoyment, or even distaste of it.