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Cielito Lindo, a taqueria on Olvera Street, is one of the oldest eateries in Los Angeles. It was established in 1934.
One of the little known facts about me is that I am adopted. I was born with Latino origins, but I was raised by a caucasian family that no knowledge or interest in educating me on my cultural history. As such, the concept of being Mexican-American was always mysteriously fascinating to me. In my mid 20’s I had the privilege of meeting my birth-family, including my Nana, who grew up in Baja California on her father’s cattle ranch.
In both 2018 and 2019, she joined @SoniaK 's pre-Connect Live trip and joined us in wandering around southern California. After my Nana’s first trip with us, she took me to Olvera Street - a place where she could be the Local Guide, and I could be the awe-struck visitor. Imagine my surprise when she treated me to a meal at Cielito Lindo and told me stories of how her father, my Great Grandfather, would bring her to the same restaurant where they sat on the same built-in tile benches, for a treat on the occasional trip to the big city.
Olvera Street is one of the few traditional street markets which continues to operate in Los Angeles. Historically founded in 1781, a visit here feels like a step back in time, as the community has made great efforts to preserve as much of the culture as possible.
Leaving our car in the modern parking lot across the way, I had no idea what I was in for when I entered Olvera Street. From the outside, this tiny piece of history does not look particularly special. The buildings blend into the rest of downtown Los Angeles, and the only real clue is the large open pavilion which occasionally had live musical performances with people of all ages dancing.
Immediately upon entering, everything about the scenery changes. Large trees shade the walkway and I am almost certain the air smells different - moist and full of the smells of steaming food. Even walking feels different, as red tiles cover the pavement, making for a softer, but uneven path. Festive garlands and flags are hung from every balcony.
Olvera Street was originally founded in 1781 and is now protected as part of El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument.
My favorite bite to eat on Olvera Street where my Nana took me - Cielito Lindo. The food is hot and fresh and prepared from scratch. The atmosphere is defined by the intentional preservation of the culture that built Olvera Street, and for me, visiting is like reclaiming a tiny piece of my heritage and my history. Cielito Lindo was established by the same family that owns it today, and when dining there, for just a few moments, you feel like a part of that family.
This post is part of the #StateChallenge organized by @Kwiksatik and @Denise_Barlock. If you want to find out more, check out this post. You can also find other submissions by searching the #StateChallenge hashtag. There is also a virtual meet-up on California coming up which you can sign up to here!