Some people may know Lupe Ontiveros as an award-winning actress, producer, activist, and visionary. I remember her being Selena’s KILLER!  Not too many may know that Ontiveros is also a foodie at heart. Recently, LatinoFoodie had the honor to go behind the scenes of Ontivero’s kitchen and ask her some questions.

Ontiveros film credits include PICKING UP THE PIECES with Woody Allen; AS GOOD AS IT GETS with Jack Nicholson, directed by James R. Brooks; THE BRAVE directed by Johnny Depp; and MI FAMILIA/SELENA, directed by Gregory Nava. Other credits include GOONIES, and STORYTELLING, just to name a few.   Ontiveros also starred in the HBO feature REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES.

 Whether portraying ‘La Nacha’ in the Oscar nominated film EL NORTE or as a founding member of LA’s Latino Theatre Company, Ontiveros has made both memorable and lasting contributions to the entertainment industry. Yet, it is for her tireless efforts and long-standing commitment to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS in the Latino community that The Wall Las Memorias is honoring Ontiveros, who lives in Pico Rivera, at the 3rd Annual ROJO Sabor Latino fundraiser. The tasting event takes place on Wednesday, Nov. 16 from 7 to 11 p.m. at Cicada Restaurant, 617 S. Olive Street, Los Angeles.  Buy your tickets today to experience superb dishes from eight high-profile restaurants.  

LATINOFOODIE Q&A WITH LUPE ONTIVEROS

If you could have dinner with anyone who would it be dead or alive?

James Bond all of them preferably alive

What is your perfect snack?

Peanut butter and honey

Name the three things you always have in your refrigerator.

Veggies, my husband’s insulin, juice

Any favorite food or drink indulgences?

Vouvray white French wine, Basque goats blue cheese with Italian Rosemary crackers, grapes, chicharrones con chile verde, and a nice cold beer.  Midnite nip of Baileys original cream.

What is the most unusual thing you’ve eaten?

A small spider at a Spike Lee school benefit in NY. A donation was made to the school for every insect consumed up to a crispy tarantula.

What is the one dish you cook that you own – no one else can make it better? 

Delicious, juicy turkey, slow cooked in wine with original, homemade nut dressing

What is your favorite comfort food?

Homemade Arroz con leche

Are there any foods that remind you of your childhood/home?

Tamales at Christmas, Menudo at New Years, Turkey at Thanksgiving, Ground shrimp deep fried patties with chile colorado, cactus, lentil soup for Easter, and handmade tortillas de harina made from scratch.

More About ROJO

Where: Cicada Restaurant; 617 S. Olive St. Los Angeles, CA 90014

When: Wednesday, November 16, 2011;  7 p.m. to 11 p.m

How much: $45 single tickets allow access to the event and food tastings from participating restaurants, including entertainment. Purchase tickets by visiting The Wall Las Memorias.  All proceeds from ROJO will go to continuing the organization’s work.  The Wall Las Memorias Project resides in Highland Park.

Event Sponsors: Wells Fargo, Southern California Gas Company, Time Warner Cable, Cicada, BIW Latin Division, LatinoFoodie Blog