By: Marcos Hernandez
In the very heart of culinary innovation, “Where Credit is Due” emerges as a creative project that pays homage to the unsung heroes of Latino cuisine. The project’s menu seamlessly blends iconic latin culinary with creative, luxurious dishes. Simultaneously, the vision board is inspired by Latin murals, and is brought to life with its colors and designs. The vision board not only serves as a visual feast for viewers, but also acts as an educational tool, fostering an appreciation for the cultural and historical significance of each and every dish.
At the core, “Where Credit is Due” highlights an incredible array of food that has become Americanized but is actually native to various corners of Latin America. From Mexico to South American countries, the menu captures the essence of these foods that are often overshadowed by more popular Latino cuisines. The creators of “Where Credit is Due” wanted to not only display these meals, but encourage the sharing of stories and memories related to food.
The decision to create “Where Credit is Due” stems from the profound belief that food is a universal language that transcends borders, connecting people on a deeper level. Sharing a meal with someone is one of the simplest ways to invite someone in and open dialogue. The creators worked to create an imaginary restaurant environment in which ideas could be shared and stories could be exchanged.
In LSP 2100, we focused a lot on storytelling through “Platica”. We learned that this can have many different meanings depending on someone’s upbringing and culture. For example to some individuals it means to gossip, but to others it could mean informally “chit-chat”. However, to us, “platica” is getting to know someone beyond the surface-level through storytelling. By doing various exercises in a 40+ person class we were able to make connections and truly learn about the students we go to class with everyday. Someone whom we might have just ignored and walked by, may have a lot more in common with us than we would have thought.
During our “platica”, a common thread was food. As mentioned, this project was created on the belief that in a world rich in culture and traditions, food remains constant. We wanted to bring light to foods that people in Latino cultures have been eating for centuries, but may not have the credit that it deserves. Naturally, the phrase “giving credit where credit is due” inspired the name of the project. By blending the cultural importance of food and platforming people’s voices, “Where Credit is Due” was born.
“Where Credit is Due” is not just a culinary project, it’s a celebration of diversity, a reclaiming of cultural heritage, and a platform for all the voices who may have been silenced. The hope for this project is to spark new conversations about food and tradition. As viewers embark on this cultural journey, they will not only feel hungry, but they will be put into a safe space where they can share traditions and recipes that will finally be given the credit that they deserve.
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