I haven’t shared this on my website before, but for the past year I’ve been actively working to learn Spanish. It’s something I’ve started many times since high school, quit many times, and finally reached a point where I’m sticking with it and really trying.
While this post isn’t exactly about learning Spanish, it is about discovering a non-traditional way to practice the language while doing something fun at the same time.
It all started with Northgate González Markets (aka Northgate Markets).
If you’re looking for free cooking classes in Southern California, Northgate Markets offers one of the most interesting programs around. Through their Culinary Exchange Program, the market hosts live cooking demonstrations inside select stores where experienced Mexican chefs and restaurant owners teach guests how to prepare traditional dishes. The classes are free, open to the public, and held at locations across the region, from the Northgate Markets in West Covina to Long Beach.
About a year ago, I also started cooking more than ever before. Maybe it was a trip to Valle de Guadalupe or maybe it was one especially delicious taco, but somewhere along the way I found a new love for being in the kitchen.
The only problem is that I still need help.
Anyone who can teach me how to cook better than I already do is someone I’m happy to learn from. So when I came across a post on social media from food consultant and historian Denise Favela about the cooking classes happening at Northgate Markets, I was immediately interested. The classes are about an hour long and feature respected chefs who walk guests through the process of making traditional Mexican dishes. They felt approachable, legitimate, and most interesting to me, many of them are taught in Spanish.
Earlier this month, I attended one of the classes at the Northgate Markets in West Covina, where guests learned how to make Ensenada fish tacos and capirotada norteña. The class was led by chef Josefina Sánchez Aguirre, who walked everyone through the process of making beer-battered fish tacos step by step.
Chef Josefina explained everything from her preferred type of fish—lenguado (halibut)—to why she likes using cerveza instead of sparkling water in the batter. She also demonstrated how to make the creamy white sauce that brings the tacos together.
What I enjoyed most was how visual the lesson felt. Even though it was a demonstration, Josefina explained every step in a way that made it feel like I was cooking right alongside her.
Another thing that stood out was how welcoming everyone in the room was. Because the class was held in Spanish, I decided to ask a few questions even though my Spanish isn’t perfect. When the words came out a little broken, no one laughed or made me feel awkward. Josefina, Denise, and the other guests were patient and encouraging, which made the experience even more enjoyable.
That sense of kindness and community made the class feel comfortable and fun, and it made me want to attend another one in the future.
At the end of the class, Denise had the recipes printed out along with a list of the ingredients needed to recreate the dish at home. Since the class takes place inside the grocery store, it was easy to walk through the aisles and stop by the fish counter to pick up everything I needed before heading home.
By the time I left the store, I felt empowered and excited to try making the dish myself. It’s not often that I leave an event feeling both inspired and confident enough to recreate something I just learned, but thanks to this class, I did!
Even if you don’t speak Spanish, I would still recommend attending one of the Northgate Markets Culinary Exchange cooking classes. You can learn simply by watching the demonstration, and if you have a question, you can always ask it in whatever level of Spanish you know or in English. The class feels open to anyone who is curious about cooking and willing to jump in and learn something new.
If you enjoy cooking, want to practice Spanish, or simply want to spend an hour doing something fun and educational, I would absolutely suggest signing up for one of these classes. They’re free, space is limited, and they’re a wonderful way to learn something new while connecting with people who enjoy food just as much as you do.
Follow Them.
Northgate González Markets: Website, Facebook, Instagram, and X.
Denise Favela: Instagram and Facebook.
Josefina Sánchez Aguirre: Instagram and Facebook.
