WASHINGTON D.C. – Houstonians are always representing our city well, and that’ll once again ring true during Thursday evening 2024 State of the Union address.
One chef in our area was invited to accompany Houston Congresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia as her guest for the evening.
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Owner of Houston-based restaurant Cochinita & Co., Victoria Elizondo, will be attending and says its truly an honor to have been chosen.
Elizondo’s restaurant is renowned for its authentic Mexican cuisine made from locally sourced, fresh ingredients.
Originally from Nuevo Leon, Mexico, Elizondo immigrated to the U.S. with her mother at the age of 12 and later became a DACA recipient.
Starting her journey in the culinary world as a restaurant hostess and server at the age of 16, Elizondo was inspired to pursue her passion by enrolling in culinary school. She honed her skills at esteemed Houston eateries such as State of Grace, Pax America, and Xochi.
Driven by her love for cooking and her cultural heritage, Elizondo established Cochinita & Co. in 2016.
What began as a modest setup with a table and a tent evolved into a thriving business, starting with a food truck and expanding to include catering services and a restaurant in Houston’s East End.
Like many businesses, Elizondo’s restaurant faced challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Forced to temporarily close its doors in November 2020, Elizondo and her mother, Graciela, persevered by selling tamales out of their home, selling an average of 600 packages a month. Despite the setbacks, Elizondo remains dedicated to her culinary venture.
“I feel extremely thankful for such a unique opportunity,” Elizondo expressed. “It is a blessing to be able to represent Dreamers and hopefully inspire them to dream big and make it happen.”
Congresswoman Garcia praised Elizondo’s resilience, stating, “Victoria is the definition of true grit and dedication. Dreamers deserve equal opportunities as everyone else.” Garcia emphasized the importance of supporting Dreamers like Elizondo by providing them with a pathway to citizenship, citing her leadership in the Dream and Promise Act.
Elizondo’s culinary journey has garnered recognition, with her restaurant earning a place among the top 25 Best Restaurants of 2022. She is also the author of the successful cookbook “Taco-tastic” and has received nominations for the prestigious James Beard Award for two consecutive years.