DINE Latino Restaurant Week runs from May 12-24 in an effort to uplift the hard-hit Los Angeles County restaurant community. Restaurants have gone through the wringer in the past six years, suffering from factors like COVID-19, the Eaton and Pacific Palisades fires, and intimidating ICE raids. Even under ideal circumstances, restaurant work is relentless. Market driven economic pressures have only increased. A large proportion of our local culinary workforce is Latino. Over 200 Latino restaurants, representing 20+ Latin American cuisines, are participating in this countywide event from the Latino Restaurant Association (LRA). Special menus and dishes should provide a financial boost and foster community.

On May 7, LRA hosted a DINE Latino press preview at Maydan Market in West Adams. Seven chefs representing seven different Latin American culinary traditions appeared with LRA leadership and Consul Generals from Mexico, El Salvador, and other Latin American countries. Meet people behind great local Latino restaurants and experience DINE Latino.

Chef Alfonso “Poncho” Martínez, executive sous chef Evelyn Gregorio, and partner Odilia Romero showcase Zapotec live-fire cooking at Lugya’h. Their colorful Maydan Market stall is recent addition to the prestigious MICHELIN Guide California.

Maria Irra and sister Heidie Irra run Maléna, an “Afro-Indigenous coastal kitchen from Acapulco, Guerrero” inside Maydan Market.

Casa Chaskis chef-owner Agustín Romo (right) brought employee Alex Moran from Long Beach to showcase Peruvian food.

Wendy Tobar serves Salvadoran food at VCHOS Pupusería Moderna in Montebello, Rancho Cucamonga, West Covina, and two trucks.

Marketing director Carlos Mejia, chef Julian Teodcio and GM/beverage director Ivo Cooper repped M Grill, a Brazilian spot in K-Town.

Amara Cafe chef-owner Amara Barroeta promoted her namesake Venezuelan restaurant in Pasadena.

Maximilian “Max” Pizzi and partner Federico “Fede” Laboureau featured Argentinean food from Fuegos LA in South L.A.