Good Day Downtown Boulder!
It’s time to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. During October it’s important to honor and pay tribute to the cultures, stories and lives of the Hispanic community that surround us. As a proud Peruvian, this month hits close to home for me. Growing up, my mom and grandma would keep our table full of plates like Arroz con Pollo, Papa la Huancaina, Seco de Res, Causa and more! (The list is never ending.) Although these meals were delicious and kept me full for long days at school, they weren’t just meals. They served as a reminder of the culture and journey my mother carried into the United States. Beyond the ingredients, every dish has a backstory. Even though the food is still important, (shoutout Lomo Saltado!) it’s not the only thing that matters. Ultimately, it all boils down to the support and awareness our community can provide, ensuring Hispanic voices, businesses, and artists are heard. Supporting local artists, trying out new restaurants or even just learning a new story or fact can be an easy way to show support and showcase Hispanic culture.
Showing up and showing out for those in your community doesn’t have to break the bank. This month gives you a perfect excuse to branch out. Go try the Tres Leches Cake at Rosetta Hall for a sweet treat. Or their Golden Hour Pisco Sour for a happy pick-me-up. Perhaps the Tostada De Hongos at Centro Mexican Kitchen sounds delicious? Looking for something extra special? Cozobi Fonda Fina is the perfect place to experience Mexican tradition and innovation (they also were awarded a Bib Gourmand in the 2025 MICHELIN guide). Chef Johnny Curiel draws from his roots in Guadalajara. He focuses on curating the perfect bite so customers can experience culture and flavor harmoniously.
Before you eat these Hispanic dishes, here’s some background of where they originated from.
The famous Tres Leches cake translates to “Three Milks” and is a dessert with roots deeply embedded in Latin American culture. The cake is a tale of sweetness and tradition. Tostadas come from when the Aztecs discovered they could crisp up hardened tortillas rather than throw them away. Later, they were fried, which made tostadas the most durable foundation for endless toppings. Mushrooms have been a huge part of indigenous cooking, and combining the two together created the Tostada de Hongos which is a dish that carries both history and flavor proudly.
Curious to learn something new? Las Barracas located on the Boulder County Golden Farm has been added to the first national list of Endangered Latinx Landmarks. Las Barracas is significant because it is one of the last examples of agricultural labor housing. It’s a landmark that recognizes the efforts and adversities of the Latinx farmworkers whose tales have been traditionally ignored.
Hispanic Heritage month isn’t just about the food or festivals, it's about how culture grows from within us. As a Peruvian-American, this month reminds me that every time I try a new dish, learn someone’s story, or celebrate a new tradition, I am constantly expanding my own identity. Boulder's inclusivity is a significant part of what makes it so amazing. It's important to celebrate the cultures around us. Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!
Until next time,
Fatima
Tagged: Holidays