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Some people may know Lupe Ontiveros as an award-winning actress, producer, activist, and visionary.ย I remember her being Selena’s KILLER!ย Not too many may know thatย Ontiverosย is also aย foodieย at heart.ย Recently, LatinoFoodie had the honor to go behind the scenes of Ontivero’s kitchen and ask her some questions.
Ontiverosย 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.ย ย Ontiveros also starred in the HBO feature REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES.
ย Whether portraying โLa Nachaโ in the Oscar nominated film EL NORTEย or as a founding member of LAโs 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 Theย Wall Las Memorias is honoring Ontiveros, who lives in Picoย Rivera,ย at the 3rd Annual ROJOย Sabor Latino fundraiser.ย The tasting event takes place on Wednesday, Nov. 16 from 7 to 11 p.m. at Cicada Restaurant, 617 S. Olive Street, Los Angeles.ย Buy your tickets today to experience superb dishes from eight high-profile restaurants.ย ย
LATINOFOODIEย Q&A WITH LUPEย 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 husbandโs insulin, juice
Any favorite food or drink indulgences?
Vouvrayย white French wine, Basque goats blue cheese with Italian Rosemary crackers, grapes, chicharronesย con chile verde, and a nice cold beer.ย Midniteย nip of Baileys original cream.
What is the most unusual thing youโve 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 โ no one else can make it better?ย
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, Menudoย at New Years, Turkey at Thanksgiving, Ground shrimp deep friedย patties with chile colorado, cactus, lentil soup for Easter, and handmade tortillas de harina made from scratch.
More About ROJO

When: Wednesday, November 16, 2011; ย 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.ย All proceeds from ROJOย will go to continuing the organizationโs work.ย 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
