Charles Brown Culinary Scholarship

When I think of the people who inspired my love for cooking, I think of the original chefs within the culinary field. I think of the native ancestors, in particular, my native ancestors of Mexico, who have revolutionized the meaning of cooking and brought light to the Mexican Cuisine for what it truly is. My ancestors have been the most significant influence on my journey. From the stories of my ancestors being told while making a pot of tamales on Christmas Eve, to the pan de muerto in Day of the Dead, to even the simplest dishes like caldo de pollo on a hot summer day, those stories, those core memories, those core experiences of learning these ancient techniques formed by the hands of my ancestors is what has inspired me to continue their stories within every dish that I make. During my journey, I started a small business, El Amor Del Ancestro ( The Love of the Ancestors), which pays tribute to the original chefs who inspired my love of cooking. Within my small business, I represent Mexican cooking, where I can represent the native ingredients of my ancestors while elevating my creations with the simplicity of the ingredients. It has always been my dream to continue growing my small business by opening up a restaurant in honor of my ancestors, creating an open environment filled with love and serenity. Within my restaurant, I want to continue to grow and represent my ancestors' cuisine and bring people happiness with every bite they take. I want people to feel the same love and energy I felt within my ancestors in every dish they try, but I also want them to see the amount of passion and stories behind every dish made by their ancestors.