The Post Supply had the honor of chatting with Beatrice Valenzuela about her favorites from our pantry section and seeing her beautifully prepare a snack in her home kitchen. We talked about life, work, sharing her table and of course, food!
Beatrice Valenzuela is a visual artist and designer based in Los Angeles, California. Her eponymous line of shoes, clothing and accessories are a direct reflection of her uniquely visceral and sensual perception of the surrounding world. With a spirited passion for travel, family, and cuisine, Beatrice Valenzuela intends to emulate the essence of vitality, beauty and simplicity in all of her collections, akin to the feelings experienced in life's most exquisite of moments. Her design studio can be found in the vibrant neighborhood of Echo Park, located in Los Angeles.
Read on below for some of her magic, generously shared with us.
TPS: We have long admired your work, worn your shoes and jewelry, traveled to your studio in Echo Park and recently got to share a meal together. You are a constant beacon of light in the world of artists in our opinion and we are so thrilled you wanted to partner with us on this fun pantry exploration. You share a lot of food and cooking content on your social media and food seems to be another extension of how you live artfully and beautifully. Can you share a little about your philosophy and approach to food? How you choose what you eat and why?
BV: I will start by saying that it is a great pleasure to share some of my thoughts on food with you all. I believe that we must indulge in all our senses while we are here on earth. What better way than to try all the best and freshest food and drink we can possibly get our hands on. Ah! A beautiful meal with our loved ones or by ourselves. A gorgeous beverage. Why not try and feed ourselves with a gorgeous feast. Make it beautiful, make it sensual, it can be magnificent. Make it a priority every day.
TPS: You are constantly sharing meals - with your family, loved ones and friends. Tell us about how you energetically create space for sharing food and hosting in your home? What does this gift that you share - opening your home and your table - mean to you?
BV: Feeding the people I love gives me life. It is such a pleasurable experience to feast with your favorite people. I’m so incredibly inspired by the whole experience. Putting together a group I think would enjoy each other, then coming up with a seasonal menu, finding these ingredients and finally the grand occasion of sharing. There’s a joy that only happens when we are all tasting those dishes and beverages that we’ve prepared. We can all share in that discovery. It creates a special bond and deepens our friendship. At the end of the night I feel alive and spent. It’s really fulfilling.
TPS: What are you favorite things you are cooking in your kitchen recently or new favorite spots or menu items you have tried in your community? We would love to hear what else is inspiring you at the moment!
BV: I love going to Fish King, a great place to source all my mermaid cravings and delights. A whole fish or a lemony crudo are often on the menu. I can even find quail eggs there which we all love to eat as an appetizer. Boil them for a few minutes so that they are still jammy inside and sprinkle some flaky salt. Eat them in one bite.
From The Post Supply Pantry, I love making an appetizer of the best potato chips in the world, Bonilla a la Vista, then top with slices of Jamón Ibérico, a few pickled mussels and some anchovies in oil. Throw in some capers while you are it. It is so decadent and tantalizing! This is something I learned from people in Spain. I enjoy it with a colorful Spritz. You can do an Aperol, which is sweet or a Campari which will be more bitter.
I am deeply inspired by beauty in all aspects. Nature inspires me. People that stand for what’s right and fair inspire me. Art, design, fashion, film, poetry! Gimme all of it. Music, wine, flowers, desserts! Long baths and good books. Dancing! Making passionate love!!
I encourage everyone to fully embrace life. It’s such a precious opportunity we are gifted. Let’s make it burn with desire.
