5 Things With… Restaurateur and Author Bricia Lopez
Restaurateur and Author Bricia Lopez shares the 5 things she can't live without during quarantine.
Born and raised in Oaxaca, which is rich in culinary tradition and indigenous food culture, restaurateur Bricia Lopez comes from a long lineage of Oaxacan Mezcal craftsman.
She grew up in her grandmother’s kitchen and lived the traditions of mole and true artisanal cooking. In 1994, her father founded Guelaguetza which has become a Los Angeles institution for traditional Oaxacan food––and that’s where Bricia’s career took off. She is currently a partner at Guelaguetza and today spearheads all operations alongside her three siblings.
Since then Bricia has become a champion for Oaxacan food and culture in Los Angeles (she was named LA’s official Mezcalera in 2013) and beyond, written her own cookbook, and launched her own successful business.
Here Bricia Shares 5 Things Getting Her Through Quarantine
Lattes at Home
“I bought this one day out of a whim in hopes to replicate our favorite latte from our local coffee shop early on in quarantine. My husband and I did not want to splurge on a professional espresso machine but we wanted something better than just a handheld electric frother. Fast forward three months later, we use this little machine every day. My husband and I have so much fun creating our latte creations every morning.”
Daily Devotional
“When people ask me about how I am feeling or how I am dealing with everything the consequences this pandemic has had on my business and everyday family life, my answer is simple; through faith. I read my devotional every morning without fail. It has guided me through this journey by fulfilling my soul every day.”
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Quarantine Footwear
“We’ve always had a ‘no shoe’ policy in my home. However, for the most part, I always walked barefoot. Being quarantined during my last trimester in pregnancy though, my back (and feet) could not take me cooking, cleaning, and entertaining a 5-year-old all day with bare feet. I found this pair on a casual search and decided to give them a try. It has been the best $17 I have ever spent. I never take them off now and seriously can’t live without them.”
Recreate Brunch
“Having a nice cold Michelada can bring you back to that time when you would meet your friends for brunch or happy hour. This mix takes away all the steps to achieving the perfect Michelada recipe and delivers THE best Michelada experience in seconds. All you really have to do is add it to your favorite lager or flavored beer (I LOVE having it with mango beer). And for those who are taking a break from alcohol or simply can’t drink, it is just as delicious with sparkling water.”
Plants, Plants, and More Plants!
“I’ve always been a self-proclaimed plant mom, but during this quarantine, I took it to the next level and evolved into a plant grandma (if there is such a thing). I became obsessed with propagating plants that I had at home and repotting them. There is something about creating life out of a simple cutting that is both calming and magical. Whether I’m propagating or buying new babies from my favorite local plant shops, plants are my therapy.”
My favorite L.A. plant shops: @latinxwithplants , @thejuicyleaf, @foliacollective.
