Pasteles & Serendipity on the Walk-In Talk Show

Some opportunities are planned. Others arrive like a whisper from the universe.

It started with a text from our former nanny on a quiet Tuesday morning. “I’m free Thursday if you need help with the girls,” she said. Just like that, a rare day opened up on my summer calendar. I messaged my friends at WFLA to see if I could jump into the studio, but the lights were off—everyone was on vacation.

Then, that same evening, a message came from my friend Dr. Janna Tamargo, founder of AuthenticFood.com. She told me about an opportunity in my area, Carl Fiadini of Walk-In Talk Media had posted a call-to-action on Instagram. Their previously scheduled Michelin-rated chef had to cancel at the last minute, and they were looking for someone to fill in.

I messaged Carl immediately. And just like that, the spot was mine.

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Meeting the Walk-In Talk Team After Years of Near Misses

I’ve followed Walk-In Talk Media since I first met their team at the Savor St. Pete festival years ago. We’ve tried to collaborate multiple times, but my travel schedule always got in the way. This time, a series of chance events opened the door—and when I finally stepped into their kitchen, the chemistry was instant.

From the very first moment, I felt right at home, as if I were among friends I had known forever.

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Why Did I Show Up With Pasteles?

This wasn’t just a chance to cook—it was a chance to show them my why.

The reason I started Domestic Gourmet was to preserve the recipes and processes passed down by the women in my family—and to make those flavors accessible for modern families who want to taste the nostalgia of their childhood, even on their busiest days.

Everything I make, I make from scratch—just like my ancestors did. My products, from our Organic Annatto Oil – Aceite de Achiote to the Adobo and Sazón spice blends launching this Fall, are built from that same foundation: clean ingredients, authentic flavor, and deep cultural roots.

So when I had the opportunity to step into that kitchen, I knew exactly what I wanted to bring—pasteles.

If I’m going to share my story, I need to start with the food that inspired me to start manufacturing annatto oil, my flagship product.

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Puerto Rican Tradition Wrapped in Banana Leaves

Pasteles aren’t just food—they’re a piece of oral history.

They’ve been passed down from generation to generation in my family. We make them every year in preparation for the holidays. It’s a two-day process filled with music, laughter, and memories. All the women in my family gather to make them, and my daughters join as soon as they can stand on a step stool.

We make enough for each participating household to take home a couple dozen, plus enough to serve and enjoy together on Noche Buena (Christmas Eve). It’s sacred. It’s tradition. And it’s mine.

So I brought it to Walk-In Talk Media—to honor where I come from and to show where I’m going.

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Transforming Pasteles Into Art with Ibis Images

Though I had one concern, pasteles don’t always photograph well. To someone unfamiliar with them, they might look too brown, too rustic, too… unappetizing.

But then John Hernandez, who’s an original member of the team at Walk-In Talk Media and founder of Ibis Images, stepped in. What he created with his lens left me speechless. He didn’t just photograph pasteles—he elevated them. He made them editorial. He captured the story, the texture, the emotion. He made them look like edible pieces of art.

Throughout my career, I have worked with many photographers. John is one of the best I’ve ever come across. His eye for food styling is incredible, and I’m honored to have had my dishes seen through his lens.

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🍅 Let’s Settle This Once and for All: Ketchup or No Ketchup?

There’s one question that never fails to stir up strong opinions across Puerto Rico—and we’re bringing it to the table: Do you put ketchup on your pasteles?

I do. I always have. Team pro-ketchup all the way.
But John—fellow Boricua and food photographer extraordinaire—is a purist. No ketchup. No compromises. We had a full-on (respectful) debate about it while filming.

Now it’s your turn:
Are you Team Ketchup or Team Purist?
Drop your answer in the comments—we want to hear where you stand. 👀👇

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Please Allow Me A Moment of Gratitude

I’ve done hundreds of cooking segments over the years—but this one felt different. It was effortless, creative, and the energy was aligned.

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. It was a standout moment for me—and a proud one for Domestic Gourmet.

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.

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Coming This Fall:

Our new Adobo and Sazón blends—clean, flavorful, and rooted in tradition

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