Food is a basic need but it also represents so much more. It represents culture, family, love and passion. Growing up in a Puerto Rican household, this is certainly how I think of food. The time I spent cooking with my grandmother showed me the power of food. In this modern world, it’s easy to distance ourselves from the traditions that nurture family ties. Ties that connect us to where we come from, to our culture, and to creating life long bonds within our community.

Today, the loss of this connection and our traditions are clearly felt as younger generations grow further away from the rich culture of their ancestors. Traditions and values are not being passed down through generations. Food is how I honor the legacy of my grandmother and embrace my culture. Through food we can help keep our cultures alive across generations. This is why I created Mia’s Cocina, to preserve Puerto Rican culture and ensure its continued growth.

I now set out to fulfill this mission to provide experiences around food that can create, strengthen, and rebuild bonds across generations. In the words of mi abuela Jobita, when you share the food, the food tastes better