EL PASO, Texas – At two beloved El Paso eateries, chefs are turning personal memories into plates that honor the city’s cultural blend. Executive Chef and co‑owner Raul Gonzalez of Starlite Gastropub says the food that former residents miss most is the very flavor of home.
Family roots on the menu
During a recent interview with ABC‑7, Gonzalez explained, “Just ask anybody who’s moved away from El Paso, and they will tell you that the thing they miss the most is the food.” He adds that food brings people together through shared culture, values, and taste.
Chef Rulis, who runs the restaurant Sazón, echoes that sentiment. He points out the unique culinary history of the Borderland, noting, “The rest of Mexico uses corn tortillas, but here we have flour tortillas. Chiles Toreados are a favorite, and you might wonder why there’s soy sauce in Mexican dishes. That traces back to Chinese railroad workers who left a lasting imprint on Southwest cuisine.”
Mother’s kitchen as inspiration
Both chefs credit their mothers for the recipes that anchor their menus. Gonzalez recalls his mother’s comfort dishes – meat loaf, potato poblano soup, rice, and calabacitas – saying they “bring back memories.” Rulis adds, “With my mother, her memory lives on through her recipes and her food. It’s very special.”
These family‑centric dishes are featured nightly at Sazón, where patrons can taste the same flavors that shaped the chefs’ childhoods.
Local flavors, broader influences
The chefs highlight how El Paso’s position on the border creates a culinary crossroads. Mexican staples mingle with Chinese ingredients, producing a distinct Southwest palate that many outsiders overlook. By preserving these traditions, the restaurants help keep the city’s heritage alive for both longtime residents and newcomers.
Visit and follow
Readers interested in seeing the chefs’ creations can follow Chef Rulis on his social‑media pages, linked in the original story. For community members who have their own “Sunday Funday” moments to share, the outlet invites submissions via email to [email protected].
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
