Show 119, April 25, 2015: Bricia Lopez, Guelaguetza, Los Angeles

Bricia LopezOne of the most exciting series of Awards presented by the James Beard Foundation annually is the America’s Classics. This honor is given to regional establishments, often family-owned, that are treasured for their quality food, local character, and lasting appeal. One of the five recipients for 2015 is Los Angeles’ Guelaguetza located in Koreatown and founded in 1994. This year’s honorees will be celebrated at the 25th anniversary James Beard Foundation Awards taking place on Monday, May 4th at Lyric Opera of Chicago.

Guelaguetza, founded by Fernando Lopez in 1994, is the center of Oaxacan life in Los Angeles, and the setting for countless quinceaneras, weddings, and anniversaries. A sprawling restaurant located in Koreatown, it features live music on a bandstand every night. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the restaurant draws both homesick Oaxacans and outlanders in search of honest Oaxacan foods.

It’s also famous for its vast collection of premium tequilas and mescals.

They are also known for their lauded variations of mole. The signature mole paste is available at the restaurant and via their on-line store. Bricia even has prepared a lively “how-to” video that makes preparing mole at home a snap.

Representing the proud second generation of family ownership is our in-studio guest, Bricia Lopez.