Meet Idalia Rodríguez: Culinary Curator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Idalia Rodríguez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Idalia, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
When I thought about starting my business, I thought about my value. How I had worked myself to happy exhaustion for others and their legacies… How my dedication and obsession with my art and work rendered me indispensable. I realized I could put all of that energy and creativity into my own legacy and my own name. The idea that my message in my craft and the alchemy in my offerings would be delivered by me without misinterpretation?! I had to go for it. No strict definition. Armed with my ability to create any and everything culinary with my hands.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is to transport people to a feeling with food. What sets me apart is my incredible amount of empathy, observation, and the lack of ego that allows me to create an experience and mouth feel specified to that personsIdeas of comfort, love, memories and even achievements. Lack of ego does not mean insecurity! I’m very proud of my vast knowledge of technique and method. I have an incredible amount of range. So, using my Michelin restaurant experience or creating Artisanal bread with by hand are all things that I enjoy so long as I’m achieving the desired experience. I have learned that in order to truly be happy you must try to be the best version of yourself and let that consume your service. It sounds very existential… But you curate your tribe by being your truest. I suppose that’s what my brand is. It’s the parts of me that are nurturing, sophisticated, educated, whimsical, adventurous and fun. What I would like people to know about my story is that hurtles are crumbled conquered monuments once they’ve been surpassed. And you can make it to where you want if you don’t give any energy to being stopped or doubted. It’s difficult. You may entertain the thought but never allow it to manifest into action.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love Olvera Street and it’s surrounding neighborhoods. From its plaque of the very first senses in Los Angeles, to the oldest part of the city shaded by the newest a Is really visceral teleportation. There are so many museums and it’s a place where virtual everyone is represented if they’re looking. Honestly, I would love to get a city road trip… take people to East LA to but masa.. go to the beautiful Asian markets and get fish and fermented products, come back and have a backyard cook out If I could host dinner parties for the rest of my life I would do it in a heartbeat.. My favorite places have closed. My dream would be for Babes and Ricky’s Inn to re-open in Leimert Park. It was one of my favorite places growing up. The music. The free family dinners on Mondays. I would love to own a place like that where my friends are regulars! There is also the Roosevelt hotel pool. It’s quintessential for those of us who grew up here. It’s really a happy place for me. I have a very fun time there my last birthday before the thing.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Quite a few of my teachers, from elementary school to culinary school, we’re constant in their rooting for me. From my beautiful inspiration Miss Johnson, to my friend still (since 4th grace) Mr. S! Looking back I see how they taught me that support doesn’t necessarily come from the people who already know you. Often, the people whom recognize the fire in you, have had vision and ambition. There is solidarity in building something that has an evolving blueprint. I would love to thank my black and native community whom have always understood how important it was for me to see us supporting each other. To get that solidarity and motivation back has moved me to tears.

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Image Credits
Idalia Rodríguez