Chicago (WBBM Newsradio) – People got a taste of some of the best of the Latino food experience this weekend. Chefs, mixologists, and community members gathered on Friday for the third annual Plisen Gourmet Festival.
“Everyone's looking for that new restaurant and what better way to get to try them, than to be in one place and try something from here, something from there. Get to know them, and get to talk to the actual chef,” coordinator and founder of Pilsen Gourmet Esmirna Garcia said.
There were around 25 chefs and mixologists at the festival in Apollo’s 2000. The event aimed to not only feed people great food and drinks, but to also showcase the good that is happening in the community and those who are doing that work.
“I mean ‘gourmet’ is somewhat gimmicky, because I think that homemade tortilla is gourmet,” Garcia said. “It doesn't have to be fancy, but it's about that story behind the plate.
“And I think some plates with just beans and rice when it's someone who really needs it at that moment - and our community has been [in] a lot of need - that’s worth mentioning.”
The festival honored two chefs and one community leader for their roles in showcasing their culture through their food, but also for the work they are doing in the community.
Atzimba Perez, owner and founder of Atzimba Catering, received a lifetime achievement award. She left her catering business in Mexico 27 years ago to come to the United States and has worked her way up to opening her own cafeteria. She plans on opening her first brick-and-mortar establishment early next year.
Perez, who is from Michoacán, has specialized in bringing the cuisine she grew up with and pre-Hispanic cuisine to Chicago. She was even featured on an episode of “No Passport Required.”
“My job is to bring the old recipes to the present. [That way you don’t] lose your heritage, you don't lose your roots,” she said.
“I very, very, very encourage [people] to teach your kids what your mother, your grandma, your great-grandma cooked for you.”
Her new restaurant will not only keep the past alive, but also nourish the future. Part of the focus of her cafeteria is to support low-income students by giving them opportunities and discounts on food for good grades.
The dishes Perez plans to serve will be rich and healthy. At the festival on Friday, she served an array of food that included a gluten free cookie with chia, coconut, and almonds. She even hopes to combat depression in young people with her food.
“I have a lot of recipes. They are going to help you, so you don't feel alone, don't feel depressed and you can go forward and become a leader in this country.”
While she said she was happy to be recognized at the festival, the recognition that has really meant the most to her is when kids she has helped come back to her years later and say their success is the result of the support she showed them.
Other honorees included Roberto Avila for his entrepreneurship and innovation and Dr. Evelyn Figueroa for the work she's done to feed those in need with the Pilsen Food Pantry.
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