Martha Garcia
Mexican food expert
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Martha
Garcia, whose family runs Los Altos, a Mexican restaurant in Marshalltown. Born
in Guadalajara, Mexico, Mrs. Garcia, her husband, Moses, and her three children
moved to California in 1989. She worked in a bank, and her husband worked in a
Mexican restaurant. When she and her family heard that Iowa was a good place for
families, they moved to Marshalltown in 1996 to open their own business. Like
many immigrants, Martha uses her traditional foods and festivals to re-establish
her culture in a new land.
Like
many immigrants, Martha and her husband have found that it is difficult to keep
the traditions as their children become increasingly Americanized. Her children
refuse to eat tongue or brains, for instance. Still, she has found that her children
are interested in learning to cook Mexican food and in playing the traditional
games that Martha learned from her own mother. The family also takes part in the
Christmas posada pageant in Marshalltown, and both daughters have had
their quinceañeras (traditional fifteenth birthday coming of age
celebrations for Mexican girls).
A
registered dietician with a degree from Iowa State University, Martha now works
for Extension Services. Her family continues to run Los Altos, where they provide
personalized service, letting customers know exactly what is in each dish, explaining
the spices, and reassuring native Iowans that they, too, can experience traditional
Mexican food. During the week, Los Altos serves homemade green and red salsas,
ceviche, and carnitas to their mostly Anglo clientele. On the
weekends and for holidays, they serve more traditional dishes such as posole
(hominy and pork soup) and tamales.
Contact: Martha Garcia, 515.752.2518, martha@fivestarhometeam.com.