Interview with an Indigenous Chef: Ray Naranjo Location: Santa Clara Pueblo, New Mexico Education: Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts Business name: Manko: Native American Fusion Tribal affiliation: Santa Clara Pueblo What led to your passion for Indigenous foods? I wanted my cultural identity and my career to exist side by side. For a long time, those parts […]
On April 21, “Chopped” aired a first-of-its-kind episode. Season 64, Episode 6, “Indigenous Inspiration,” brought together four Native chefs to compete using ingredients that reflect Indigenous foodways. Instead of the usual mystery basket curveballs, the episode featured ingredients like whitefish and sumac, putting Indigenous flavors and knowledge front and center. The chefs featured were: Justin […]
Name: Crystal Wahpepah Location: Oakland, California Business name: Owner, Wahpepah’s Kitchen Tribe: Kickapoo What led to your passion for Indigenous foods? I always loved Native foods and I got to cook at a young age with family. It came so natural for me to be in the kitchen, like it was my gateway to […]