How the American Telenovela Jane the Virgin Updates the Sentimental Novel With its lack of regard for plausibility and a strong, moralistic heroine, Jane the Virgin is a modern reinterpretation of the nineteenth-century sentimental novel tailored to fit the needs of the growing Latino community, which today makes up more than seventeen percent of theContinue reading “Modern Melodrama”
Author Archives: Natalie
Someone. Anyone.
Haitham exchanges a warm greeting with his friends as he finds space in the circle and settles into a cross-legged position. He unsheathes the drum his daughter was playing earlier and cradles it gently between his arm and side. He rubs the transparent blue face. Any unseen lint or debris falls off. It’s time toContinue reading “Someone. Anyone.”
Spatulas and Axes
Tina has spent years learning the laws of the road that leads to Telos. She’s traveled it many times, but since she’s been coming to Telos weekly, she’s memorized it. Still, she’s not cocky. Mack trucks, giant metal crocodiles pulling lengthy wooden tails, frequent the road. When they move slow, they are menacing and unpredictable.Continue reading “Spatulas and Axes”
From Guate, With Pepian
From Guate, With Pepian (Originally published in Revue Magazine, copyright November 2012) – – The first thing people ask me in Guatemala after I tell them I am a food writer and avid cook is, “Have you made Pepian?” As luck would have it, I have. Not once, but on three separate occasions with threeContinue reading “From Guate, With Pepian”
The Tortillaria Trio
The Tortillaria Trio (Originally published on thelatinkitchen.com, copyright September 2012) – – My mother is bouncing up and down like a child. The women behind the counter are in hysterics, doubled over, laughing so hard they’re crying; tears run down their cheeks and land on their aprons. I am turning a shade of red reservedContinue reading “The Tortillaria Trio”
Chiltepe Peppers – A Little (HOT) Giant
Chiltepe Peppers – A Little (HOT) Giant (Originally published in Que Pasa, copyright November 2013) – – When it comes to chiltepe peppers, do not let size fool you. These pint-sized capsicums, native to the southern United States and Central America, look harmless but they pack a mountain of heat that will have your eyesContinue reading “Chiltepe Peppers – A Little (HOT) Giant”
My Guatemalan Muse
My Muse and Guatemalan Caldo de Pollo (Originally published on chocolateandchiles.com, copyright November 2012) – – With the coming and going of Dia de los Santos, we are out of the rainy season (winter) and into the hot/cold season (summer) here in Antigua Guatemala. For the last three months, every day, starting at about two inContinue reading “My Guatemalan Muse”
Miranda – A Love Story
Miranda – A Love Story (Originally published on thelatinkitchen.com, copyright August 2012) – – As soon as Mauricio Miranda and his wife, Sasha, signed the lease for their namesake restaurant, buyer’s remorse set in. “…We started realizing next door is an abandoned building where homeless people lived and we’re like, ‘what are we doing? WhatContinue reading “Miranda – A Love Story”
The Garifuna’s Tapado
The Garifuna’s Tapado (Originally published in Revue Magazine, copyright November 2012) – – With an abundance of impossibly fresh seafood and locally grown, tropical produce – from bright green plantains to coffee-brown coconuts – it is no wonder food on Guatemala’s Caribbean coast is distinctive from platos tipicos found on the interior. Aside from ingredients,Continue reading “The Garifuna’s Tapado”
