Celebrate the closing of the exhibition Festin de Sabores. Banquete mexicano with a book signing by Bricia Lopez and Paulina López-Velazquez from Guelaguetza, their family's James Beard award-winning restaurant in Koreatown, Los Angeles. They will be signing the book Oaxaca: Home Cooking from the Heart of Mexico.
Bricia López
Bricia Lopez, an esteemed entrepreneur and cultural ambassador, has become a pivotal figure in the Los Angeles culinary landscape. Through Guelaguetza, her family's James Beard award-winning restaurant in Koreatown, Bricia and her siblings have propelled Oaxacan cuisine and culture to the forefront of the modern gastronomic scene. Her influence extends beyond the kitchen, with The New Yorker hailing her as the "queen of mezcal." In 2019, Bricia contributed to the launch of Las Vegas' premier mezcal bar, Mama Rabbit, housed within Park MGM.
Her passion for Oaxacan cuisine led to the publication of her first cookbook, Oaxaca: Home Cooking from the Heart of Mexico, in 2019. This James Beard-nominated bestseller garnered thousands of five-star reviews on Amazon. Bricia's second cookbook, Asada, was released in Spring 2023.
Paulina López-Velázquez
Paulina López-Velázquez is a dynamic entrepreneur, creator, podcaster, and cultural ambassador who has made a significant impact on the culinary and entrepreneurial landscape of Los Angeles. As a key figure behind Guelaguetza, her family's renowned restaurant in Koreatown, Paulina, alongside her siblings, has played a pivotal role in propelling Oaxacan cuisine and culture to the forefront of the gastronomic scene. With Guelaguetza receiving the prestigious James Beard award, Paulina's dedication to showcasing the richness of Oaxacan traditions has garnered widespread recognition. Her entrepreneurial spirit has led her and her siblings to launch two direct-to-consumer brands, "I Love Micheladas™" and "Guelaguetza™ Mole Starters." These products have achieved remarkable success, earning a place in retailers across California, including Costco. While expanding her reach into the digital realm, Paulina teamed up with her sister Bricia to create the Super Mamas Podcast, a transformative and non-judgmental space. They have established a supportive community for new, experienced, and expecting mothers, exchanging knowledge and providing solace during the ups and downs of motherhood. Their commitment to women's empowerment and education has led them to organize a series of live events, further strengthening the bonds within their community. Through her multifaceted contributions as an entrepreneur, creator, podcaster, and cultural ambassador, Paulina Lopez has left an indelible mark on the culinary landscape of Los Angeles. Her dedication to promoting Oaxacan cuisine and culture, along with her commitment to empowering women and fostering community, exemplifies her role as a transformative force within her industry