Asada Fest brings out the world’s best Latino chefs and taqueros to Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA—Northgate González Market proudly presented the inaugural Asada Fest in Los Angeles, a vibrant celebration that brought together a stellar lineup of Latino chefs and cultural icons. 

The event took place on Saturday, July 13, at the Rolling Greens Arts District and featured Michelin-starred chefs including Javier Plascencia, former “Top Chef” contestant Claudette Zepeda, Yesenia Rios from Tijuana’s Culinary Arts School and Chef Daniel Castillo of Heritage Barbecue, alongside traditional Sonora-based chef Nereida Vejar, known from Netflix’s “Taco Chronicles,” and social media chef sensation Robegrill. 

Asada Fest went beyond a mere festival, serving as a platform for the diverse Latino community of Los Angeles to shine. Attendees enjoyed an array of activities including Lucha Libre matches, wine tastings, musical entertainment, and mezcal and tequila experiences, all celebrating the rich traditions, flavors and creativity of Latino culture. 

CALÓ News was given VIP access to try the festival's array of options which included tacos, tostadas, signature drinks, pan dulce and chicharrón, among other sampled dishes. Guests embarked on a journey that celebrated the authenticity and passion of Latino cuisine. 

One of the standout moments was the visit to Maizano station, where Chef Alan Sanz presented a mouthwatering tostada de lomo. The meat was expertly seasoned and topped with a refreshing combination of onions, cucumbers and crisp leafy greens, making it irresistible for visitors who couldn't help but go back for seconds. The tenderness and succulence of the ribeye steak instantly raised the bar for the rest of the event.

Another unforgettable culinary experience was the food station belonging to Nereida Vejar, who appeared on the "ASADA" episode of Netflix's "Las Crónicas del Taco" in 2019. A cook from Mátape, Vejar is one of the few female butchers in Sonora. She learned butchering from her father at 13 years of age. Her tacos de asada perfectly capture the essence of the asada fest, showcasing the simplicity and delight of this traditional Mexican dish.

"This event showcased the very essence of carne asada, bringing together Southern California's finest chefs and taqueros for a culinary experience like no other," said Jhosimar Rivera, director of marketing for Northgate González Market.

Asada Fest not only entertained but also educated attendees through live cooking demonstrations, interactive workshops and engaging discussions led by industry experts and culinary maestros. Visitors had the opportunity to connect with talented chefs and food artisans, gaining insights into the history and evolution of Latino cuisine. It was an experience that was well worth the cost of admission and some. 

"La carne asada is more than just a meal; it's a cherished tradition that brings families together, creating memories over delicious food, lively music and engaging conversations," remarked Oscar González, Northgate’s co-CEO.

Embracing the rich cultural tapestry of Southern California, the Asada Fest was designed to be a vibrant and engaging space, where participants could immerse themselves in a celebration of diversity, food, and social connections. By seamlessly weaving together a blend of entertainment, informative sessions and culinary access, the festival curated an all-encompassing and inclusive setting that encouraged the appreciation of Latino cuisine, uniting individuals through the shared experiences of culinary delights and boundless creativity.