Podcast Episode

Episode 3: Jonathan Zaragoza

“If you stick to your guns, do it well, do it for the right reasons and have good intentions, as corny as it sounds, a lot of things are possible! Among the topics we cover are a look at the importance of Mexican restaurants in current political landscape, Chef Zaragoza’s engagement in the local community and more”

What we covered in this episode

  • Importance of Mexican restaurants in current political landscape.
  • His engagement in the local community.
  • What is Birrieria Zaragoza? One dish concept restaurant.
  • Chef Jonathan describe the series of side dishes and sauces served with goat dish.
  • Increase popularity of goat meat in the USA.
  •  The importance of “Hispanic Heritage Month” for Chef Jonathan.
  •  Why traveling is so important to him.
  •  The importance of connecting with people back in Mexico as well as in everyday life.
  •  His admiration for Diana Kennedy.
  •  Discover his mentor.
  • Inspiration and learning through collaboration with other chefs.
  •  Learn about his creative process.
  •  A pop-up at your restaurant once a month!
  • Parallel between Japanese and Mexican street food.
  • Women are the flame holders of the tradition in Mexican food.
  • Cooking with Mexican women in his kitchen.
  • Cooking with soul!
  • The complexity of chilies and what is the next popular one.
  • 5 rapid-fire questions!

Links to other Episodes in Chicago

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Chef Jonathan Zaragoza recipe with prawns

“There's a cool technique from Vera Cruz that I like to do. Heating up a cast iron skillet medium high heat and getting it kind of almost to a smoke and then you put a rock salt a sea salt there on top of it. Then you put your prawns on top and let them cook for a minute with no oil and then drizzle some olive oil over them and it smokes and it's so tasty and it's it's like searing a piece of meat basically. Let them them cook for a little bit and then hit them with olive oil and smoke start cooking and give some fat and then you flip them and then you can finish with a sauce.”

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Chef Jonathan Zaragoza

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Birrieria Zaragoza

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