In this heartfelt episode of the #WiRLPod, I sat down with Chef Iliana de la Vega—James Beard Award-winning chef, educator, and founder of El Naranjo in Austin, Texas. From her early days exploring the markets of Oaxaca to leading one of the country’s most respected Mexican kitchens, Iliana shares how heritage, memory, and matriarchal influence have shaped her journey.

She opens up about the power of the maternal line in Mexican culinary tradition, the deep cultural identity woven into every dish, and the importance of honoring diversity in both cuisine and leadership. Iliana also reflects on balancing motherhood and professional ambition, and what it means to pass the torch to the next generation.

This is more than a conversation about food—it's a celebration of legacy, place, and the women who keep tradition alive.

Read Chef Iliana's feature in FSR: https://www.fsrmagazine.com/feature/how-chef-iliana-de-la-vega-is-championing-authentic-mexican-cuisine-at-el-naranjo/