From ‘just a dream’ to DIY restaurateurs: These chefs are feeding San Diegans from home kitchens under a just-expanded program
Article by Emily Alvarenga | Read full article in the San Diego Union-Tribune
After finishing her up day job, Yanira Majano heads into the kitchen of her Rancho Peñasquitos home to start preparing the masa, or dough, to make pupusas.
The traditional Salvadoran dish — thick handmade tortillas stuffed with fresh vegetables, savory spices, cheese and meats — is one of many recipes passed down for generations in Majano’s family that she is now sharing with her San Diego community.
“My mom used to have a restaurant in El Salvador, but when we came here to the U.S. when I was 11, we started just cooking from home … and found more love of cooking together,” Majano said. “Cooking is our passion.”
The San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted earlier this month to extend the county’s temporary program, which was set to sunset in February, and expanded the earning potential for its participants.
At the county Board of Supervisors meeting earlier this month, both supervisors and the public expressed excitement about making the program permanent.
Though the public is asked to refrain from clapping and cheering at meetings, a cheer erupted from the audience once the board’s unanimous decision was announced.