Chef Ciji Castro: Reviving Latin Culinary Heritage

Ciji Castro, the founder of Domestic Gourmet, joins us on the Walk-In Talk Podcast to explore the profound significance of culinary heritage and its impact on contemporary cuisine. This episode centers around her exquisite dish, Bistec Empanizado, which embodies not only the flavors of her cultural roots but also the essence of family legacy and connection. Ciji passionately discusses her mission to preserve Latin food traditions and share them with a broader audience, emphasizing the importance of family recipes passed down through generations. She elaborates on the creative fusion of flavors she employs, including a unique Cuban-Chinese twist, which further exemplifies the rich tapestry of cultural influences in her cooking. Our conversation delves into the role of food as a bridge between tradition and modernity, demonstrating how culinary practices can unite diverse communities and foster a deeper understanding of heritage.

Thanks to Crab Island Seafood and Del Encanto Foods for supplying and supporting our show!

Link to our article from Executive Tradeshow Magazine:

Podcast Generating Buzz for Restaurant Events’ Shows

Takeaways:

• Ciji Castro emphasizes the importance of preserving Latin food traditions through her culinary endeavors.
• The dish Bistec Empanizado represents a fusion of family recipes and innovative flavors, showcasing cultural heritage.
• In the podcast, Ciji discusses how her upbringing influences her commitment to sharing authentic recipes with new audiences.
• Cultural representation in food is vital, as it fosters connections and understanding across diverse communities.
• Ciji's black bean recipe, a cherished family legacy, has gained recognition as a leading Spanish language result on Google.
• The conversation highlights how food and music serve as powerful unifying forces in bridging cultural gaps.

Crab Island Seafood Company | Seafood Spreads

Del Encanto Foods

Mentioned in this episode:

RAK Porcelain USA -Tableware

We use RAK for all in-studio tableware—clean, durable, and designed for chefs.

Aussie Select - Fully cooked, premium Australian lamb

Fully cooked, premium Australian lamb—ready to serve and packed with clean flavor.

Metro Foodservice Solutions

Kitchen and back-of-house systems for better flow and function.

Citrus America

Citrus America – Commercial-grade juicing systems built for speed and yield.