A Taste of Resilience: Street Food and Community Spirit Amidst Protests in L.A.

In a weekend brimming with activity on the streets of Los Angeles, a trio of vendors transformed a simple aguas frescas stand into an oasis of support for protesters and community members alike. Cinthia Soriao, Edgar Hernandez, and Sesarin Hernandez found themselves at the heart of the action, serving refreshing drinks and hot dogs right next to the iconic Church of Our Lady Queen of Angels—an unexpected backdrop to a whirlwind of protests against ICE operations in the city.

The Everyday Heroes of Street Food

Picture this: vibrant, colorful aguas frescas glistening beneath sunny umbrellas, alongside savory hot dogs sizzling on the grill. But this was no ordinary day. Instead of serving their usual clientele—families and churchgoers—they found themselves catering to a crowd of passionate activists facing a barrage of tear gas and chaos.

When the first wafts of tear gas rolled in, Cinthia and the Hernandez brothers didn’t just stay behind their cart; they became impromptu first responders. As protesters screamed for relief, they poured surplus milk into their eyes—an age-old remedy for tear gas exposure. Their stand, usually a haven for simple delights, became a sanctuary amidst turmoil.

“We were right in the middle of everything,” Edgar recalled later, expressing both disbelief and pride in their role that day.

Culinary Comfort Amidst Chaos

As the sun dipped below the horizon, hunger and thirst became palpable in the atmosphere. While some vendors abandoned their posts, Soriao, Edgar, and Sesarin stood strong, serving juicy, pepper-laden hot dogs and refreshing beverages well into the night. The camaraderie was infectious; discounts were offered to those who needed it most.

Recipes to Savor

For Your Own Aguas Frescas:

• Ingredients:

  • Fresh fruit (mango, hibiscus, or watermelon)
  • Sugar and lime juice to taste
  • Water
• Instructions:
  1. Blend your chosen fruit with water until smooth.
  2. Strain to remove pulp if desired.
  3. Sweeten with sugar and a splash of lime juice.
  4. Chill in the fridge and serve over ice!

Award-Winning Hot Dogs:

• Toppings:

  • Bacon
  • Grilled onions
  • Spicy mustard and mayo
  • Peppers for an extra kick
• Cooking Tips:
  1. Grill your hot dogs until they’re perfectly browned on the outside.
  2. Wrap them in crispy bacon for that added crunch and savory flavor.
  3. Consider toppings as a canvas: let your creativity run wild!

The Pulse of Community Support

Across town, Stefany Gonzalez also felt the beat of change. Selling her famous bacon-wrapped hot dogs, she quickly joined the movement to provide sustenance to protesters. Inspired by her Salvadoran heritage, her cooking connects her deeply to the community. With every hot dog sold, the flavor of unity and support permeated the air.

“It’s all about supporting each other,” she remarked, en route to another action-packed day.

Whether through savory bites or refreshing drinks, the street food scene in L.A. not only caters to cravings but also nourishes the spirit of community and resilience. In a time filled with challenges, it’s more important than ever to gather around a shared table—where flavors collide and people unite.

So, next time you delve into a hot dog or sip a cup of aguas frescas, remember the spirit of those vendors who turned a chaotic weekend into a flavorful fight for community support, bringing people together one bite at a time.

Talia Brooks

Covers wellness, nutrition, mental health, and daily life tips.

Bio: Talia brings a background in health journalism and holistic living to help readers live better, one tip at a time.