Just in time for Taco Tuesday, here’s a taste of one of the internet’s most delicious blogs Chicano Eats. Behind the delicious images and recipes of Chicano Eats’ site is the food aficionado Esteban Castillo, a 27-year-old from Orange County, CA using food as a narrative for life and as a portal to our hearts.
I first discovered Chicano Ea
ts late last year after Esteban had been blogging about his personalized recipes for a couple of months. I’m telling you, there’s no escaping those Instagram photos. When you see that mouth-watering meals or drinks you HAVE to press that heart.
Esteban has a real talent for food photography and composition. The colors really pop on every photo, making you wish you could stick your hand in and grab one of those desserts. He’s putting all those people who take pictures of their lunch to shame! Not to mention it makes me miss my mamá’s food every time!
Here are just a few of his incredible shots:
Okay, enough with the food porn! I’m gonna need a shower after this post.
The thing I appreciate about Esteban the most is that he is a very down-to-earth queer brother who is responsive to everyone’s posts. He is kind and handles his comments with real respect, always thanking everyone for their praise.
I’m not the only one who has noticed this—Chicano Eats has been gaining attention from national outlets for bringing something different to the table. Chicano Eats has been featured on NPR, We are mitú, Remezcla, KCET and numerous more!
Just take a look!
It’s obvious that Esteban is creative, artistic, a top notch foodie and a beautiful soul—and I wanted to get a little more insight on what makes Chicano Eats the blog that everyone should go to for their dose of Mexican American goodness.
How did Chicano Eats get started?
I think one of the biggest reasons why I decided to launch the blog was because I saw a lack of representation in the Mexican blogging community. In a female dominated space, there just weren’t any voices that I could relate to, especially as a queer man.
What does Chicano Eats mean to you?
Chicano Eats is a space for me to recount stories, and it has also become a space for me to continue exploring my bicultural identity through food.
What’s your favorite thing to eat?
My siblings and I were raised to not be picky eaters, so I enjoy everything! But if it had to be boiled down to one dish it would probably have to be Sopes (estilo Colima of course).
How do you think Chicano Eats can be a voice for other queer individuals?
I don’t claim to be a spokesperson for other queer individuals, but I do hope that my voice and my struggles resonate with other queer latinx youth who might be struggling with their identity and it lets them know that there is always a rainbow after the rain. It does get better.
What motivates to continue doing what you do?
The positive response that I’ve had these past few months is what motivates me to continue with my work. I’ve spoken to so many readers who have said that the bits and pieces I’ve shared have helped them in so many ways and ultimately that is what is most important to me.
How do you balance your job and your blog on a daily basis?
It’s really challenging to keep up the blog sometimes. Outside of my regular 9-5, I also have clients I do freelance graphic design work, so at times it can be difficult finding time to create new content. It really just comes down to being able to manage my time wisely.
It makes me excited to see that individuals can create their own stories through social media and technology. Chicano Eats is an example of a thriving, hustling, queer person of color who has taken his passion to the next level and is adding mole, lime, and cheese—and yes, avocado is extra.
What’s on your plate?
You can follow Chicano Eats on Instagram/Twitter/Facebook @ChicanoEats and check out the blog at www.ChicanoEats.com (he has merch you can buy too!)
Okay okay—here’s some more food porn:
