We’re kicking off Hispanic Heritage Month with another inspiring visit to Ibis Images‘ studio for The Walk-In Talk Show — the #1 food podcast on Apple Podcasts, brought to you by Walk-In Talk Media. In this heartfelt episode, we dive into everything from Latin cuisine to the cultural events that keep heritage alive, to the legendary black bean recipe passed down from my Tía — now the #1 Spanish-language result on Google for Frijoles Negros Cubanos.
We also talk love stories, culinary lineage, and the evolving legacy I hope to leave behind with Domestic Gourmet. This episode is packed with flavor, memories, and vision — so be sure to listen to the full episode via the embedded podcast link below and join us on this delicious journey.
Forbes Recognition: A Defining Moment
When Domestic Gourmet founder Ciji Castro was featured in Forbes, it wasn’t just a personal milestone — it was a moment of national recognition for her work championing Latin cuisine. The press spotlight validated her mission to preserve, elevate, and innovate Latin food traditions for a modern audience.
Forbes gave me the validation that everything I’ve worked so hard for is what people want and people show up for.” – Ciji Castro
Celebrating Latin Cuisine & Heritage Through Festivals
For Hispanic Heritage Month, Castro’s calendar is packed with purpose-driven appearances that celebrate the richness of Latin culture. She’s set to appear at the Unimos Festival on September 25, 2025, from 5–8 PM at Stageworks Theatre in Tampa, FL, and at the Festival de Bomba y Plena on October 19, 2025, from 11 AM–6 PM in Land O’ Lakes, FL.
Both events bring together food, music, and cultural pride — the perfect stage for Castro to showcase how Domestic Gourmet honors heritage through every flavor and story.
Latin Cuisine: The Comfort Dish That Feeds the Soul
In her Walk-In Talk podcast interview, Castro reflects on her comfort dish: bistec empanizado with black beans and maduros. The black bean recipe ties back to her Tía Lourdes’ legendary Cuban frijoles negros, filled with flavor and memories. “It’s more than food,” Castro shares. “My Tía took the time to teach me the foundation of our food when no one else would.”
Telling Forgotten Stories Through Fusion
After dining at Calle Dao, a Cuban-Chinese restaurant near Bryant Park in NYC, Ciji was inspired to craft a bold fusion dish that pays homage to her roots and the island’s diverse culinary history. Partnering with Crab Island Seafood and their signature Crab Rangoon Dip—a featured product for Walk-In Talk Media—she built the dish on a crispy tostone base. Each bite layers her sofrito-infused mayo-ketchup, a generous dollop of the crab dip, a delicate drizzle of Domestic Gourmet Annatto Oil – Aceite de Achiote, fresh lime zest, and a finishing sprinkle of her soon-to-launch Domestic Gourmet Sazón, coming this fall.
Please Allow Me A Moment of Gratitude
To Carl, John, and the entire Walk-In Talk Media team—thank you.
Thank you for creating space for me to share my culture, my mission, and my passion.
If you’re not already following @walkintalkmedia, now’s the time. Their platform is a love letter to the hospitality industry—featuring real stories, real chefs, and raw, unfiltered conversations that truly matter.
Find Walk-In Talk Media on:
YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, or check out their website to learn more.
Find Ibis Images Photography on:
Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or visit their website to learn more.
Coming This Fall:
Our new Adobo and Sazón blends—clean, flavorful, and rooted in tradition
Shop Now:
Organic Annatto Oil – Aceite de Achiote
Add authentic flavor and vibrant color to your dishes with Domestic Gourmet Organic Annatto Oil. Made with 100% organic ingredients and perfect for everyday cooking. Order now y ¡Buen provecho!
As seen in Forbes!
In stock (can be backordered)
