The Call of the Siren Beatrice ~ Part 1
Beatrice Valenzuela is one of those roses who exudes joie de vivre. She is mostly known for her handmade shoe line that is appearing on all sorts of pretty feet around town. She will shortly be opening up a store on Echo Park blvd where she will expand from her beautiful shoes into home ware, clothes and other gems. Not only is Beatrice a stunning and gracious host, but she also is an expert in the kitchen, garden, and in beautifying women. When not running her shoe company, making elixirs fit for goddesses like her hibiscus rose tea (recipe in part 2), or taking care of her husband and sprite Astrid, Beatrice will give the ladies in her community complete makeovers in her home salon. I really felt like I was on vacation when visiting Beatrice, and it was so refreshing to spend time with someone who is passionate and honest about so many things. (Her answer to question 9 captures her humor perfectly!)
In Part 2 Beatrice will teach us how to make one of my most favorite Mexican dishes Sopes. Interview with the divine Beatrice below. (Photos by the always fabulous Mel Blanchard.)
1) Where did you learn to cook your delicious dishes?
I grew up hanging out in the kitchen with my aunts, momma and grandma. I usually made the agua fresca or peeled green tomatoes. I watched carelessly but I remember the delicious smells and the steam coming out of pots. I can smell roasted dried peppers, grilled tomatoes or the delicate scent of fine herbs. When I became a little older I got to make the salsas and then eventually deep fry. Once I moved out I craved so many of the delicacies from home so I telephoned my aunts or momma and asked for a quick recipe and they quickly reminded me of how to get things done. I got better at cooking through a lot of practice and experimentation.
2) Your store is opening soon what will you be carrying?
We are so excited to open our flagship. We will be carrying our shoes, Ramsey Conder’s lighting and jewelry as well of many imports from different regions of Mexico mainly ceramics, jewelry and textiles.
3) When you aren’t cooking where do you like to go for a meal?
My favorite food in LA is Alejandra’s Quesadillas. It really hits the spot for me every time. She has a cart on the parking lot of Echo Park Avenue south of Sunset. She’s there a couple times a week always on Fridays while the farmer’s market is going on. She makes hand made blue corn soft quesadillas and offers very authentic toppings for example huitalcoche (corn mushroom), squash blossom, chorizo and chicharrón with a nice string cheese. She always has fresh nopales and home made fresh salsas green and red. We have established a very good relationship and she caters for me and other friends. I am hoping to hire her for our store opening.
4) Where is your favorite Mexican grocery for authentic ingredients?
I find authentic Mexican ingredients at La Guadalupana on Sunset and Echo Park Avenue or El Rancho Market on Alvarado and Sunset. The best kept secret is that you can buy locally made queso fresco in big rounds at the meat counter in both of these stores. They also have great daily made salsas that will blow you away. The only down side is that you will not find organic products there.
5) What is your beauty secret?
I am terrible at washing my face but when I do I love Tata Harper’s products. I hope to carry her line at our new store. I deep condition my hair 2 times a week and always get manicures and pedicures. I try and get a body scrub at the Korean spa at least once a month. I love pampering myself as much as possible.
6) I love the eclectic and loving atmosphere at your home. What do
you find essential for entertaining?
I find fresh fruit and flower drinking concoctions essential in my entertaining. I absolutely love adding flower or orange blossom water to absolutely everything- specially my cocktails. I became obsessed with making delicious cocktails trying to find a perfect balance between salty, sweet and spicy. I always keep bubbly around too. It always gets the party going.
7) Are you a mermaid or forest fairy?
I am definitely a mermaid, well more of a siren because I like to lure people in and show them how intoxicating and mesmerizing great food and drinks can be. I want people to leave my home feeling sexy and in love with life. I absolutely love sharing our home with friends!
8) what is your dream vacation?
My dream vacation for a long time has been going to Greece and eat all day long while basking under the Mediterrenean sun. Then drink delicious coffee and have someone come and read my fortune in the coffee grinds left over in my cup. I want to run around the black beaches topless with my beautiful little girl Astrid and husband Ramsey. Hopefully soon!
9) What book is on your nightstand?
Sadly I have so many but not reading anything, really. I want to finish reading the Alchemist. My cousin gave me a spanish copy 10 years ago and I would like to finish it this summer.
10) What is your music of choice for dinner parties?
I think music is another important mood setter so I keep Pandora going in the background. Sometimes my playlists includes Lola Flores for a bit of flamenco, Horacio Guarany for old fashion south american romance or Chavela Vargas for heart breaking ballads. It’s all pretty sexy if you ask me : )
Beautiful photos. the second one in particular is so enchanting. A lovely interview, and I look forward to the sopes recipe.
A true siren! A lovely mix of Venus and earth mother. Gorgeous photos too, the colours are sublime.
What a beautiful space! The photos are gorgeous. And what a fabulous person, I can’t wait to check out her store.
How did I miss this?! Glorious mamas together! Blissing out…and looking forward to Part II!
a beautiful feature – lovely photos!