From Mexico to Baltimore: Carlos Raba's Culinary Journey and Empowering Youth Through Jiu Jitsu
Welcome to 'The Truth in This Art,' hosted by Rob Lee, where we are delighted to have a talented Chef joining us today to explore the rich and flavorful world of Mexican cuisine! Carlos Raba, chef, and owner of Clavel, a taqueria and mezcaleria in Baltimore, shares his journey from Mexico City to Sinaloa and eventually to the United States. He learned to make tortillas by hand and acquired classic North Mexican recipes from his family, which he now serves at Clavel. Raba's passion for Mexican cuisine and culture is evident in his restaurant's offerings. Beyond his culinary expertise, Raba is also a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and co-founder of Guardian, a mentorship program that uses Jiu-Jitsu to empower and support youth in Baltimore. His dedication to both food and community has earned him recognition as a rising star chef and a "Best Chef" award in Baltimore.
In this installment:
- Mexican cuisine is diverse, with different regional variations and ingredients.
- Embracing and respecting different cultures is essential when cooking and sharing food.
- Food has the power to create memories and bring people together.
- Jiu Jitsu teaches discipline, self-defense, and problem-solving skills.
- Guardian uses Jiu Jitsu to mentor and support youth in Baltimore.
Join us now for a mouthwatering journey into the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine, as Carlos joins the podcast to discuss his passion for cooking and his journey in the culinary world. He shares his background growing up in Mexico and the influence of his family's cooking on his career. Carlos also talks about the distinctiveness of Mexican cuisine and the importance of respecting and embracing different cultures when cooking. He emphasizes the role of food in creating memories and the joy of sharing meals with loved ones. Carlos also discusses his involvement in Guardian, a mentorship program that uses Jiu-Jitsu to empower and support youth in Baltimore.
Mentioned in this episode:
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Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
Production:
- Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel Alexis
- Edited by Daniel Alexis
- Show Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and Transistor
Photos:
- Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.
- Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.
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