Heritage Talks: Food From Around the World Brings Latino Culinary Traditions to Philadelphia International Airport
Travelers passing through Philadelphia International Airport this Hispanic Heritage Month are in for a cultural and culinary treat. On Wednesday, October 15 at 11 a.m., the airport will host Heritage Talks: Food From Around the World — a special panel discussion celebrating Latino cuisine, community, and cultural storytelling. The event will take place between Terminals B and C and is free for all airport visitors to attend.
The event will be hosted by Hector Nuñez, founder of Wooder Ice Media, who will guide a conversation exploring how Latino food traditions connect generations, preserve cultural identity, and inspire new culinary expressions. The discussion will feature four celebrated Philadelphia-based chefs representing diverse corners of the Latino world — each sharing stories, flavors, and insights from their own journeys.
The Heritage Talks panel aims to spotlight the wide variety of cuisines found across Latino cultures — from Puerto Rican comfort food to the refined pastries of Argentina — and explore how these dishes serve as vessels of heritage, history, and creativity. Attendees can expect discussions around:
- The role of food in carrying traditions and telling family stories
- Favorite culinary destinations, hidden gems, and travel inspirations
- Recipes passed down through generations
- How cultural roots continue to shape each chef’s creative expression
This event is part of the airport’s ongoing efforts to highlight Philadelphia’s rich cultural diversity, particularly through the lens of food — one of the city’s most universal languages. Those who would like to attend and are not flying to a destination can use a Wingmate which can be obtained at phl.org/wingmate
Meet the Panelists
Daniela García, Café Tinto
Originally from Manizales, Colombia, Chef García brings a decade of experience spanning catering, hospitality, and fine dining. Her restaurant, Café Tinto, reflects her belief that food connects people and cultures. With a background that includes time at Starr Restaurants’ Jones, García’s approach blends Colombian warmth with Philadelphia’s cosmopolitan flavor.
Hector Serrano, Boricua #2
A proud Philadelphian with Puerto Rican roots, Serrano is the owner of Boricua Restaurant #2 and The Pearl Ballroom. Known for his resilience and entrepreneurial spirit, he opened his first restaurant the same day the pandemic shut down much of the city — and still thrived. His food celebrates Puerto Rican heritage while fostering community and joy through authentic flavors.
Jezabel Careaga, Jezabel’s Café
Born in Jujuy, Argentina, Careaga is a chef, designer, and culinary curator best known for Jezabel’s, her beloved café and bakery in West Philadelphia. A James Beard Foundation Taste Twenty chef, she’s gained international acclaim for her handcrafted empanadas, alfajores, and artisanal pastries. Beyond her kitchen, she’s represented Argentine cuisine on global stages like the London Design Biennale and the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Sashia Liriano, Saviñon
Chef Liriano, born in the Dominican Republic and raised in the Bronx, is redefining Caribbean fine dining through her concept Saviñon. With over 17 years of industry experience — including at a James Beard Award-winning restaurant — she now serves as a regional chef for The Dinex Group under Daniel Boulud. Her dishes blend Dominican tradition with global technique, all while championing representation for women of color in fine dining.
A Cultural Feast for Travelers
Heritage Talks: Food From Around the World is more than a discussion — it’s a culinary storytelling experience that invites travelers to pause, listen, and savor the cultural richness behind every bite.
For anyone passionate about food, travel, or cultural heritage, this event is a must-attend opportunity to learn from some of the city’s most inspiring culinary voices — right in the heart of Philadelphia International Airport.
