We recently went to the local super market that specializes in imported goods from Latin America. While walking around the aisles, from the fruits and vegetable section, we stumbled upon the Tortilladora de Pina, made from Mexico. This wooden made tortilla press is a staple of Latin cooking.
Using the press is very simple, first you need the ingredients; Masa harina and water. After mixing both components together and turning it into dough, take small ball pieces and place it in the tortilla press. Then make pancake like tortillas, and 'voilà'.
Youtube videos of the Tortilla Press.
Immerse yourself into the Latin culture, and learn in Mexico. Come study the language, food, music, dance, and the people.
Spanish for Success and Focal Finder (Produced by, Russo Mutuc) are in the works for another cultural food experience. Learn about the various types of Latin foods, and the people that make them.
Here is a small sample of what is to come. Recently, Russo Mutuc and his team, went out to seek some of Los Angeles best places to eat Latin foods. They came across a unique restaurant that offers Mexican and Peruvian dishes. See below for sample blog, and check back on a later time to read more about, ' El Sombrero' .
One of the best ways to learn about the Latin cultures is to study abroad and get immersed. Spanish for Success host several independent languages schools in the Peru or Mexico.
Check back in this blog for the full completed blog, along with HD videos, pictures, and many more.
Tonight, our quest to connect and learn about Spanish and Latin cultures continues. We went on a food hunt, and came across El Morfi Grill, in Glendale, California. The restaurant is known for home style Argentine cuisine. In their website it states, "Southern South America was settled by émigrés form both Italy and Spain. The result is that pizza and pastas are a significant part of El Morfi's menu. Argentina's flourishing cattle industry -from the gauchos to modern time- add grilled and bar-b-que meats, sausages and mollejas to the mix for a unique combination of entrées (Parrillada Argentina.)" Read more...
The ambiance is something to appreciate, the exposed brick wall created a mood and a vintage feel. The sounds of tango playing in the background helped create the feeling of a true authentic Argentinian restaurant, while Argentinian patrons dine the night away with their families.
Photo captured by Blackberry
We started our exploration with salad, bread with chimichurri, and a glass of "Orfila" (Torrentes) white wine.
The salad was average, really not much to say about it. We also had the bread along with chimichurri to spread on top, was quite tasty. We ended up having several baskets of bread during the course of the meal.
Continuing on with the meal, our main course was delicious. We ordered the house special for the night. Pasta with Rib eye steak, ordered well done. The steak was well marinated and it didn't need any additional sauces or spices.
The service was fantastic, the waiters took the time to talk with us, educated us a bit on the food and wine. We got to know a little bit about their Latin background, which helped us appreciate the experience of Spanish Latin cultures.
We encourage our viewers and fans to explore and share with us your experience in discovering the culture and personality of the Spanish and Latinos.
Spanish for Success brings you a documentary story of the Flamenco dancer from East L.A. Today we got a glimpse of the day-to-day lifestyle of Rocio Ponce.
Focal Finder Production spent the afternoon getting to know Rocio, and her clients. Below are some images from the dance class. Check back with us often, and will be sharing up-to-date information from performances, events, and interviews. Videos coming soon. Study Spanish and Flamenco in Seville, Spain
Rocio Ponce has dedicated body and soul to flamenco (and all forms of Spanish dance) for the past 18 years (spanish classical dance for 26 years), & other different forms of dance since she was 8 years old. A native of East Los Angeles & raised by her Veracruzano father, she has never forgotten her roots and is a firm believer in giving back. Toward that end, she has found that the arts are an important way to help at-risk teenagers in gang-infested neighborhoods achieve their highest potential. She uses the artistry and discipline of flamenco as a method for kids and teens to learn how to overcome challenges in their lives (and have fun at the same time!) through teaching or hosting activities in flamenco: dance, singing, percussion, & guitar.
Through programs sponsored by the City of Los Angeles, Rocio has taught in South Central Los Angeles; Watts; East Los Angeles; Lincoln Heights; Mid-City; Compton; Boyle Heights; Highland Park; and other districts; by introducing the children of these neighborhoods to a different cultural heritage, she teaches them about another environment outside of theirs. Rocio has also worked alongside with the California State Department of Mental Health teaching skills to abused children through dance movement therapy.
In addition to that, Rocio was invited to Zürich, Switzerland by their ‘department of children’s mental health’ to go into a children’s group home facility, for sexually abused children, to share & train employees, with hands on with the children, in ‘creative dance & theatre/theatrical therapy’ instructional methodical ideas, which included anger management skills, social skills, etiquette skills, & other skills to teach the children to open themselves up by using all elements of urban pop-culture, poetry, body stylized shapes & forms, musical theatre, skits, flamenco dance, & modern to creative dance which would slowly & safely have them face their fears through routinely performances.
