Jefas Support Jefas as Local Peruvian Restaurant Wins Award | Cultura Shock

Post-pandemic the need to support local restaurants is more important than ever before. These restaurants not only serve some of the best cuisine that come to characterize our cities, but they also serve as indelible cultural pillars in their respective communities.

Chef Lucy Haro has done just that with her restaurant Qusqo Bistro and Gallery. Located in Santa Monica, CA, Lucy has been crafting authentic Peruvian soul food for westside residents for the past fifteen years. On her menu you’ll find Peruvian favorites such as Lomo Saltado, Ceviche, and freshly prepared Chicha Morada. Qusqo’s passion extends beyond its kitchen as it also offers itself as a communal space for local artists to perform and whose arts decorates the dining room’s walls.

In an intimate yet festive ceremony with media and representatives from Pepsi, Chef Lucy Haro was presented with the company’s first ever Jefa-owned trophy that recognizes those Latinas that are essential to the people the serve and their community at large.

“Don’t ever give up on your dreams, have a vision, and keep putting it out there. I think it’s very important who’s in your circle. You need people who are going to be your cheerleaders” – Lucy Haro

(Left to Right) Patty Delgado, Lorena Garcia, Esperanza Teasdale, and Lucy Haro.

To help present the award was ambassador Chef Lorena Garcia, a powerhouse in the culinary world having competed on TV programs such as Top Chef and oversees a restaurant empire with over 40 locations across the country. Also present was Patty Delgado, owner to the Latina Lifestyle brand Hija de tu Madre. Not only is March Women’s History Month, but March 31st has been dubbed National Jefa Day by Delgado and has making waves online since 2021. To celebrate, Pepsi will pay for diners’ meals at select Jefa-owned restaurants across the country. In all, Jefas supporting Jefas.

Per their website: “PepsiCo Juntos Crecemos is part of a $50 million commitment aimed to provide short and long-term support to Hispanic small businesses, specifically, restaurants, bodegas and carnicerías, over five years. Help includes grants, mentoring, tailored marketing support, access to capital and operational assistance to enable immediate and lasting improvements.”