Dallas Morning News Hosts Community Event Celebrating Mexican Cuisine

The Dallas Morning News and Al Día are set to host a community event focused on the D-FW Sabores project, which celebrates authentic Mexican cuisine in North Texas. Scheduled for December 11, 2023, at the Vickery Park Library in Dallas, the event will feature senior food reporter Imelda García alongside three local chefs who have contributed to the project.

The evening will commence at 6 p.m. with García discussing the cultural significance of food in the community, emphasizing that Mexican cuisine encompasses much more than just tacos. “The D-FW Sabores project aims to illustrate how deeply woven Mexican dishes are into the cultural fabric of North Texas, showcasing techniques passed down through generations,” García explained.

Community Engagement Through Culinary Traditions

The D-FW Sabores en la Comunidad event will provide attendees with the chance to sample signature dishes from various local restaurants featured in the project. In addition to food samples, these establishments will sell menu items, allowing guests to experience the richness of Mexican culinary traditions firsthand. This event forms part of a series of community listening sessions organized by The News, which aims to engage with the Hispanic community in both English and Spanish.

In April, a previous event at Casa Guanajuato highlighted the challenges faced by Dallas’ Hispanic community in accessing mental health resources. Amy Hollyfield, managing editor of The News, emphasized the organization’s dedication to serving and building trust within the Hispanic community, which makes up approximately 42% of Dallas County’s population according to U.S. Census data. “Food serves as a universal connector, bringing people together. We believe it is important to highlight this project that reflects our love for Mexican food and culture,” Hollyfield stated.

A Comprehensive Exploration of Mexican Cuisine

The D-FW Sabores project has featured over 30 dishes from various Mexican states, including Oaxaca, Baja California, Nuevo León, Puebla, and Jalisco. The project team, led by García, has explored a diverse range of culinary settings, from upscale restaurants to food trucks and family kitchens. Photojournalist Juan Figueroa documented the culinary journey through videos and photographs, capturing the essence of each dish and the stories behind them.

The event is free and open to all community members interested in learning more about Mexican cuisine and culture. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP, with check-in beginning at 6:00 p.m. and the panel discussion starting at 6:30 p.m. A Q&A session will follow at 7:15 p.m. The Vickery Park Library is located at 8333 Park Lane, Dallas, TX 75231, and free parking will be available.

For further inquiries regarding the event, community members can reach out via email to reporters María Ramos Pacheco at [email protected] and Imelda García at [email protected]. This initiative not only highlights the culinary diversity of the region but also fosters a deeper understanding of the cultural narratives that food represents within the community.