Donuts y Tortas presents When Food + Life Meet... video series.
We use food as a device to start conversations about ... well anything. From your favorite ingredient to that one piece of advice that changed your life, Donuts y Tortas brings it to your table.
And that's not even the best part! These interviews allow us to sample great food and connect with insightful people. Start watching the delightful collisions now...
"Elissa Blanco (Grief + Shrimp Cocktail)" ALL NEW!
Elissa Blanco (She/Her/Ella) is originally from Colombia and has spent the last few years in Orange County. In one of my most personal interviews, we explore the heavy but human topic: grief. Elissa graciously shares her intimate connection with the topic and brings a refreshing look at what it means to lose someone suddenly. Eli also cooks us up a shrimp cocktail but as she says the "Colombian style" version. While she mixes the ingredients we talk about her first love, her support of the LGBTQ+ community, and how she's built boundaries that serve her.
"Casa Bloom Studios"
Loni Paniagua (She/Her/Ella) wears many hats as a business owner, Amigas Social Club founder, realtor, mom etc. etc. -- but above all Loni leads with uplifting others. In fact, that's how we met. Loni provided our new business, Hire Ellas, with an opportunity and supported our dreams as we started our new journey last year. We recently sat down with Loni at her warm and welcoming community space called Casa Bloom Studios. We brought her donuts and we chatted about motherhood, entrepreneurship, community, and many other topics close to my heart.
"La Casa Libre + arepas"
La Casa Libre is a small business in Orange County and it's reinventing what it means to be a señora. We sat down with business owner, Christine (She/Ella), to talk about the meaning behind her brand, what it looks like to make her custom apparel - all while eating some of her delicious arepas. We discuss the role mental health plays for business owners, why it's important to know yourself, and we even learn some new dance moves.
"Forking Around Torta Haul"
Daniel Wargo (He/Him/His), the foodie from Forking Around, is helping us find the best torta in Orange County! We make stops at Cancun Juice, Tortas Ahogadas Los Primos, and Tortas Sinaloa to taste the most unique and delicious sandwich. Alongside the food reviews we talk with Daniel about his mental health journey and how food as played a role in his life and passion as an upcoming and coming foodie.
"Peruvian OC Transplant"
Vero Perea (She/Her/Ella) is originally from Peru and has spent the last few years in Orange County. In our first interview of the year, she cooks us up arroz chaufa which she explained is the Peruvian version of fried rice. Vero shares more about our bond when it comes to the LGBTQ+ community and how she’s navigated being Latina in So-Cal. Alongside the dish, Vero makes us a delicious Pisco Sour drink (native to Peru) as we sit down and talk about what she’s learned when she’s focused on her mental health.
"Soulcial Butterfly with Vanessa Pinzon"
Vanessa Pinzon (She/Her/Ella) is Soulcial Butterfly. She's connecting folx at work, within her circle of friends -- and now helping her customers create unique picnic experiences & connection. Vanessa has inspired me through her small business accomplishments and advocacy for mental health and wellness. Let's set up a charcuterie board and picnic with her as we discuss why she started her small business and why mental health is a relevant topic.
Music Credit: www.BenSound.com
"Honoring Abuelitas"
Inspiration travels across generations. See how Maribel's grandmother inspired her as a child and continues to shape her as a mother and professional. Maribel, along with her daughter Sofie, invite us to their home to cook arroz con leche and talk about how Abuelita Pascualita ("Nina") played an important role in Maribel's life.
Music Credit: www.BenSound.com
Adam (Trans man) & Kabobs
Adam, a proud trans man, invites us to his home to cook authentic beef and lamb kabobs. And opens up about his journey as a proud trans man, how it affected his family, and how he's been able to find his true identity.
If you're struggling with your identity or know someone that is, we hope this interview brings you hope and guidance.
For additional resources please check out: 📍@lgbtcenteroc 📍@transitionalwisdom
Tiff Wu Bags + Truffle Butter
Interested in opening your universe through food? Looking to be an entrepreneur?
We sit with Tiff Wu from Tiff Wu Bags (hand bags) to whip up some truffle butter pasta and discuss her many roles as a filmmaker, entrepreneur, and how she has opened my universe to cooking!
Music: Bensound.com
Vegan Street Fair
Curious about vegan food?
How does it relate to identity? We meet Laura Minero at Noho's Vegan Street Fair to explore the world of vegan food. She helps us navigate it, taste it, and we discuss her journey as a queer latina. Advice and rich discussion with my fellow Hermana (H-A-U know!).
Music: Bensound.com
Aby + Leah @ Riley's Farm
Abbi and Ilana move over, it's Aby + Leah now!
I spent the day with these two, these two fresh college grads. Full of life, laughter, and knowledge about their future, the future. You see these two have a friendship that transcends even sisters. And there just is always room to laugh with these two. So lets go see how our day was filled with their laughter and apple treats and sweets to boot @ Riley's Farm.
Music: Bensound.com
One Gluten-Free Day!
There's no better way to see if you like something unless you try it, right? I took Misty, my cheerful and happily Gluten-free hairstylist, up on her invitation to try a gluten-free cuisine. She left the scissors behind and took me on one fine gluten-free day! And yes, I still had dessert – take a look for yourself!
@Ambee (Featuring Pablo)!
We chatted with one of my oldest buds and favorite go-getter, Amanda (@Ambee). This LA fashionista reminds us about the power of positive people and how hard work can play a big role in your life. All in a fun and unique look at her take on Rosemary Chicken Salad. Featuring her side-kick, Pablo, who brings a fun touch to the conversation!
Exploding Heart Cookies!
In celebration of Pride month we invited my favorite creative baker/art director, Frankie, to share her creative baking skills for this momentous occasion! We'll bake and chat about art that inspires and motivates this rising art director. Let's just say her passion for creativity started in the kitchen. Funny how that happens?
Feeling Good with Feel Good Salsa!
Salsa gives our daily meals more flavor and spice. But have you ever wondered where that kick comes from? At our local Farmers Market, we came across Feel Good Salsa – offering a fresh twist on an old staple. They gave us a peek into what makes a tomato fit to become salsa and what it takes to reinvent a classic.
#MooSunday with @BraidsandBigEarrings!
We didn't have a #FundaySunday, rather we had a #MooSunday with Orange County's latest vibrant blogger. Erin of @BraidsandBigEarrings joins us for ice cream delights at The Moo where we were able to talk about the many aspects that help shape her Mom life and Blog life.
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