El Orgullo Latino Kitchen

Florida

Apr 14

The Story

After gaining meaningful restaurant experience working with family in New York, Michel de Los Santos returned home to Miami in 2012 to open a food business of her own. A self-proclaimed taco lover, Michel loves all things corn so it is no wonder El Orgullo Latino Kitchen specializes in Mexican cuisine.

Top items at her food truck include birria tacos and tacos al pastor. Tacos al pastor, “shepherd style” tacos in Spanish, are considered quintessentially Mexican, but did you know they have Lebanese origins? Brought to Mexico during waves of Lebanese immigration during the 19th and 20th centuries, shawarma was adapted with Mexican seasonings such as achiote (annatto seed paste), and pork in place of lamb. While birria, a richly seasoned slow stewed meat dish, originated during the colony and makes succulent tacos and quesabirrias – quesadillas dripping with birria.

For Michel, it is a privilege to touch the lives of people most in need with her food, which is why EOLK partners with World Central Kitchen in their Southern Florida relief efforts. During our conversation, she describes a tender moment receiving a heartfelt letter after distributing meals to those affected by the hurricane in Jacksonville.

As a small business, providing one-on-one customer service in a point of pride. This year she plans to expand her business by adding a second truck!