Chef Claudette Zepeda takes a nostalgic journey through her impressive 23-year culinary career, reminiscing on breaking bread with family and engaging in lively discussions about upcoming meals. Claudette cites the resilient women in her family as early culinary inspirations, including her resourceful grandmother and aunt managing a restaurant with meticulous care. The Tijuana native emphasizes the importance of infusing her Mexican heritage's flavors into her dishes, characterized by a harmonious blend of high acidity, salt, and chile. The executive chef of VAGA delves into the balance achieved on the menu—a symphony between the ocean and the farm. She unfolds the narrative behind the restaurant's name and sheds light on the meaningful early morning traditions she established with her staff before VAGA's grand opening. She recounts a poignant moment cooking alongside Selena Gomez in Selena + Chef: Home for the Holidays, reminiscing about attending Selena’s concert with her daughter in years past. Claudette reveals that she learned the English language through avidly watching public broadcast TV, including Julia Child, fueling early aspirations to emulate the culinary icon. The chef provides a glimpse into her cherished holiday traditions, crafting core memories with her children through the timeless art of making tamales. 

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