Filling stomachs & hearts
Filling stomachs & hearts
Manuel Lerma remembers a time when — growing up as the son of Mexican farmworkers — tamales were a very special treat. A treat that, along with Christmas, only came once a year.
“In the winter time there was little work,” said Lerma. “But, my parents would pull together what little money they had for that special meal. It was part of our family’s Christmas tradition, tamales were an extra-special event.”
Today, as the owner of Fiesta Foods Carniceria & Taqueria, Lerma can enjoy tamales topped with abuela’s savory chile verde any day of the week.
Still, he hasn’t forgotten how satisfying those Christmastime tamales were, filling not only his tummy, but his heart, too. He can remember the love that came from his mother’s labor in the kitchen as she spread the masa, not too thick, across the hojas, then rolled, wrapped and steamed the tasty treats.
It’s exactly that satisfaction that Lerma hopes to pass on to others as, for the fifth year in a row, Fiesta Foods treats the clients of the Bakersfield Homeless Center on Dec. 22 to an authentic, tamale dinner this Christmas season.
“I invite friends, other business folks from the community,” said Lerma, “and we just go serve the meals and have a good time helping others.”
Lerma and crew — including MÁS Magazine staffers — will serve more than 300 hot plates to the center’s clients, 40 percent of whom are Hispanic.
“Any time you get a private business to help us this way, not only is it a fun night in the facility because the meal’s a treat, but it’s nice to have the community come out and support us,” said Louis Gill, director of the Bakersfield Homeless Center. “We’re very grateful for the support and want to thank people for caring about our clients.”
For Lerma, the appreciation is mutual.
“As we get to enjoy everything under the sun, it’s nice to know that those less fortunate are enjoying a good meal this Christmas.”
Comments