In the latest chapters (pp. 151-273) of Laia Jufresa’s book “The Mesoamerican Diaspora: Umami,” the story weaves together themes that relate to our lives today. The storytelling techniques in these chapters are captivating. Different voices blend together, creating a rich narrative. Concepts like umami and the milpa symbolize emotions and cultural connections that go beyond the story.Alfonso’s fascination with umami is more than just enjoying a flavor—it reflects how tastes connect with our memories and emotions in our lives now. Just as umami is significant to Alfonso, flavors and memories hold importance for us too.The novel’s themes about heritage and change are relevant today. It shows how preserving traditions in a changing world is vital. It also touches on environmental issues like smog and water scarcity, echoing concerns we face today. As I read, it’s a reminder of how our connections to flavors and cultural heritage are intertwined with our daily experiences. “The Mesoamerican Diaspora: Umami” prompts me to think about the importance of food, traditions, and environmental challenges in our lives today. It’s a mirror reflecting how past stories connect with our present-day complexities.

Reflecting on the paintings of the 18th century reminds me of the Rococo art I saw during my trip to France. In France, the art of that era celebrated life’s pleasures, with its ornate details and pastel hues. In contrast, casta paintings in Colonial Latin America delved into as seen through the reading complex tapestry of racial diversity and societal structures. While Rococo art offered an escape into a world of leisure, casta paintings confronted the intricate realities of the colonial society. These paintings weren’t just art; they were mirrors reflecting the multicultural, intricate world of Colonial Latin America. Casta paintings display a unique perspective on the challenges and diversity of the era, making them a vital part of the region’s history and artistic legacy.

In the tour of the Rococo at display I had it was explained that in the 18th century, art often aimed to convey religious devotion, depict leisure, or embrace classical ideals,however it it very Interesting to see that casta paintings dared to be different. They took on the role of sociopolitical commentary, addressing the complexities of racial mixing, identity, and social hierarchy. 

From memory, Rocco art depicted leisure and love, offering an escape from reality. Casta paintings, however, were deeply rooted in the societal realities of the time. They weren’t about escaping; they were about addressing the caste system and reflecting the complexities of the diverse colonial population. 

Today, in Mesoamerica, art continues to be a powerful medium to express struggles and challenges. Artists often address issues like indigenous rights, and social inequality through their work. A path to reach a larger audience would be the the use of murals and street art to raise awareness like the famous Diego Rivera, known for his powerful and politically charged murals like the Man at the Croass roads (1933). The mural showed a person holding a hammer and a symbol that looks like a sickle, which represented Rivera’s strong backing of workers and communism.

As I sat down to read about food, culture, and representation this week, I couldn’t help but think about my recent trip to Peru. I had the privilege of dining at Tanta, a renowned Peruvian restaurant in the heart of Lima, and it struck me how perfectly it exemplified the concepts we’ve explored in our readings.

The readings introduced the idea of taxonomy in food, which expanded on
categorizing ingredients and dishes. At Tanta, this concept came to life as I browsed through their menu. They proudly showcased Peru’s culinary diversity, featuring dishes with native ingredients like quinoa and amaranth, as well as international influences. It was like flipping through a culinary history book.

One of the fascinating things about Tanta is how it preserves Peruvian culinary traditions. The restaurant pays homage to classic dishes like ceviche and lomo saltado (picture of the meal I had attached below), demonstrating a commitment to retaining their cultural heritage. It was evident that in this restaurant the owners value their culinary history, just as our readings suggested.

In the realm of food, the term ‘authentic’ often sparks debates. As seen that authenticity can be compromised when influences creep into traditional dishes. Tanta navigates this discussion. While it offers traditional Peruvian fare, it also experiments with international flavors, catering to evolving tastes without losing its cultural identity.

Our readings touched on the idea of collective versus individual dining experiences. Peru has a rich tradition of communal dining, where sharing meals strengthens bonds. At Tanta, I witnessed families and friends coming together to enjoy their meals, emphasizing the importance of collective dining in the country’s culture.

Lastly, the name ‘Tanta’ itself holds cultural significance, as it means ‘bread’ in Quechua, an indigenous language. This linguistic choice reflects the restaurant’s dedication to promoting indigenous culture and traditions, aligning with our discussions on cultural values.