How I Holiday: Tony Ortiz
In this series, we ask some of our favorite people to tell us about traditions old, new, and adapted to fit their unique approach to the holiday season.
First up, Tony Ortiz, New York City-based culinary artist, storyteller and event curator. Tony runs Chile Con Miel, a platform and brand that explores ancestral Mexican cuisine and food practices through a futuristic lens.
Q:
What’s your most special holiday memory or tradition?
A:
The most important tradition for me is gathering with my family on my grandparents' ranch in Northern California. My grandfather built an outdoor oven that is most common in our family's hometown of Zacatecas, Mexico. We usually light the fire at 3AM since it takes four hours to heat the oven up. Once ready, my family heads outside and collectively places turkey, squash and sweet potatoes into the oven. We then seal the oven with a mixture of clay and let the food slow-cook all day.
Q:
What are you excited to cook and serve up this season?
A:
I am excited to cook duck confit and tamales de mole. These are dishes I try to make each year during the holidays to show appreciation to my family. I am also looking forward to making buñuelos which are Mexican-style flour fritters
dusted with sugar and Mexican cinnamon. It is a communal process of making them with the matriarch of my family—my grandmother.
Q:
What's one detail that means a lot to you at this time of year?
A:
The fact that I still hold a strong bond with my biological family is extremely important to me—especially as a queer person of color. It is something that so many people take for granted, but as a queer person I have seen members of my community be abandoned by their family due to their identity. The holidays can be difficult for many, and I feel lucky to have my biological family.
Q:
What's your favorite quiet moment of the season?
A:
The weather outside during the holidays is always very green and wet due to the abundance of rain. Gathering outside with my family and burning oak wood is a favorite quiet moment for me—whether it be burning wood to clear my grandparents' land of debris or creating a bonfire for us to gather around and enjoy each other's company.
Q:
My top holiday entertaining / hosting tip:
A:
Music is essential to creating the atmosphere you want for special gatherings. Spend some time putting together a playlist that feels good and embodies your biological or chosen family. If you have multiple generations of family members present, make sure to include iconic songs from every generation. Play music and pour bubbly while cooking. Have fun with loved ones and let loose! The food will taste better.
