Ah, this is a great question! I love thinking back to those early food memories. One of my fondest moments has to be when I was in elementary school—this must’ve been around 1985 or ‘86. We had an International Food Day, where each student had to bring in a dish that represented their culture. My friend Esteban, who was Argentinian, brought in these homemade empanadas, and honestly, those few bites have lived rent-free in my head ever since! The flavors were incredible, and that experience really stuck with me.

Now, I’m half Mexican and half German, and both grandmothers on either side were amazing cooks. On my dad’s side, we’d go to my grandma’s house and she’d serve up the most delicious Italian meals. Meanwhile, my Nana, on my mom’s side, was a master tamale maker. She’d gather all my Tías, and they’d start prepping tamales days and even weeks ahead of Christmas—it was a whole family affair. So, food was definitely in my blood from an early age.

Growing up in the 80s, though, the most “exotic” meal we had at home was Chinese takeout. You know, those folded paper boxes with the wire handle? I remember opening each box like it was a little present, trying to figure out what was inside. That sense of curiosity and excitement around food has never left me.

As I’ve gotten older, travel and some past relationships have definitely introduced me to new flavors and cooking styles, which have added to my appreciation for food diversity. But at the core of it all, I think those early experiences—the empanadas, the tamales, even the Chinese takeout—helped shape my love for food and the sense of community it brings. They’ve definitely impacted how I approach One Bite Foodie today, celebrating not just the flavors, but the stories behind each bite.