Chef Claudia Sandoval kicked off the Cinco de Mayo festivities with a model new present that takes viewers for the journey as she travels alongside the US-Mexico border and stops in often-overlooked border cities to focus on the scrumptious meals and vibrant tradition created and loved by locals.
Style of the Border, out there now on Discovery+, places the highlight on how completely different cultures shine by way of of their respective cuisines. The previous MasterChef winner, having grown up alongside the border herself, is uniquely suited to focus on the scrumptious and shocking meals that delight locals and guests alike.
Throughout her present, Chef Claudia eats her means by way of cities together with a food-focused street map. From San Diego, California, to South Padre Island, Texas, Sandoval discovers how the meals from every city showcases a mixing of flavors and cultures — together with another sudden influences.
Sandoval spoke with HOLA! USA about her meals discoveries, her favourite moments of the present, and a lot extra.
Are you able to please share extra about your discovery of latest meals within the small cities you visited on the US-Mexico border? Was there a favourite meals you found?
I made a bunch of discoveries all through the present – and never simply because it’s on Discovery+! My thoughts instantly goes to my newfound favourite tacos at a spot known as Los Primos taco stand. They take advantage of unbelievable tacos! Everybody thinks one of the best are in Tijuana and I’ve my favourite taco place close to dwelling, however this was an enormous revelation.
This present was full of many revelations. I made some unbelievable finds, together with having venison in South Padre Island and a few superior Chile Rellenos. Every little thing was unbelievable!
How did the completely different cultures you skilled shine by way of of their respective cuisines? Are you able to please share some examples?
The one huge instance that involves thoughts is the affect of Asian-American influencers because it stands in California – each Baja California and California correct. Whether or not it was Japanese, Chinese language, or Korean — there was a lot affect from the Asian neighborhood. And it was not fusion. It was a use of components in an unorthodox means that was really unbelievable.
I found that there are over 200 Chinese language-Mexican eating places all owned by Chinese language individuals who converse good Spanish because of the migration years in the past. This was a completely sudden factor for me to seek out out on my present. And the meals IS so good as a result of they embody Mexican components. They perceive Mexican meals tremendous effectively. I went to this place known as Widespread Idea in San Diego, they usually do meals that’s usually American however infused with Asian influences. It’s so fascinating – and scrumptious!
What’s a go-to recipe of yours for Cinco de Mayo?
Undoubtedly tacos! Tacos are really easy, and you can also make them out of every thing. Latinos and Mexicans don’t simply have tacos on Tuesdays! I’ve them for breakfast with eggs or have them with hen, seared fish, and pico slaw. If you happen to don’t desire a protein, you may have a taco with roasted cauliflower or grilled pineapple. There are such a lot of methods to go, relying on what you’re feeling. I’ll positively be having tacos and margaritas tonight to have fun!
What are a few of your favourite moments from the present? Is there a behind-the-scenes story from filming ‘TASTE OF THE BORDER’ that you haven’t but shared that you simply wish to?
The place do I start! There are such a lot of tales! Nicely, we had been caught on a tarmac in Texas for about 9 hours, which was enjoyable. You possibly can cross the border rapidly with SENTRI, which is sort of a Quick Cross. However not one of the crew had it – so we needed to wait 2-3 hours (when it normally takes me quarter-hour) to cross the border, which was enjoyable.
There may be an episode of the present the place I’m grilling with my good friend in 117-degree climate. If you happen to actually take note of that episode, you will note that my shoulders are purple. We needed to movie with our tops down in our Jeeps as a result of it was so scorching. I used to be in full hair and make-up however was melting. And I’m feeling the warmth from the grill too! We purchased beer to drink, however we weren’t ingesting beer – we had been chugging bottles of water. Once I went again to my resort, I noticed that I sweat a lot that my pants had been fully moist. I might ring the; that’s how moist it was. Once we left at round 8 pm, the temperature solely went down 10 levels to 107!
