This week on Taqueando with Bill Esparza, we celebrate one of Mexico’s most iconic dishes: chiles en nogada. Bill sits down with Chef Liz Galicia, “La Reina de los Chiles en Nogada,” for a deep dive into the history, symbolism, and culinary technique behind Puebla’s signature dish. From the dish’s patriotic origins to the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and nutty flavors, Chef Galicia delivers a true masterclass on Mexico’s most storied seasonal plate.

Liz Galicia has spent over 15 years redefining poblano cuisine. She helped lead El Mural de los Poblanos into national recognition, then went on to open Miel de Agave and Salón Mezcalli, championing mezcal and traditional flavors with modern vision. She has represented Mexican gastronomy at global festivals from New York to Brussels, and her expertise has been featured in landmark cookbooks like Chiles en Nogada: 200 Años de Leyenda.

To round out the episode, Bill also speaks with Chef Gabriela Ruiz, the acclaimed chef-owner of Carmela & Sal and Vuelve Carmela in Tabasco. Known as a culinary ambassador of her home state and a rising star in contemporary Mexican cuisine, Chef Ruiz shares her innovative, less traditional take on chiles en nogada, adding a fresh layer to the conversation.

Together, these two powerhouse chefs bring you both tradition and innovation—an episode that celebrates the past, present, and future of one of Mexico’s most beloved dishes.

For more, read Bill's piece in The Washington Post on Los Angeles chiles en nogada specialists, La Casita Mexicana.

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On this episode of Taqueando with Bill Esparza, Grammy-winning Mexican music icon Pepe Aguilar joins Bill at Teddy’s Red Tacos for an unforgettable conversation about food, culture, and his legendary career. From his go-to Mexican restaurants and taco trucks in Los Angeles to classic old-school spots like Musso & Frank, Pepe shares his ultimate guide to eating in LA. He also takes us to his home state of Zacatecas, diving deep into the regional dishes and traditions that shaped his love of food. The conversation covers his upcoming intergenerational Hollywood Bowl concert, his new album Mi Suerte es Ser Mexicano, and his commitment to giving back—donating part of the album’s proceeds to CHIRLA in support of immigrant communities in the U.S. Whether you’re a fan of Pepe Aguilar’s music, a foodie hunting for LA’s best eats, or curious about Zacatecas cuisine, this episode is a must-listen.

On this episode of Taqueando, Bill Esparza sits down with chef Carlos Salgado, the visionary behind the acclaimed (and now-closed) Taco María, to reflect on the rise of Alta California cuisine and what it meant to pioneer a movement that redefined Mexican cooking in America. Carlos shares why he walked away from Southern California’s fine dining scene to start fresh in Door County, Wisconsin, where his new restaurant La Sirena is preparing to open its doors.

From the emotional highs of running one of the country’s most celebrated Mexican restaurants to the challenges and freedom of beginning again, this is a candid, thoughtful conversation about creativity, identity, and reinvention.

Plus: Bill recaps a meal at Oryx in Tijuana, smokes a cigar at the Maybourne Beverly Hills whiskey bar, and chases down some of the best fish tacos in Ensenada.