The idea for FLACOS came about in the
fall of 2001. Every time I went to a Mexican restaurant, the only item
I could order from the menu was the, “Vegetarian Burrito”
without cheese and sour cream. That got boring, so I decided to take
the advice of friends (Joe, Sara and Nigel) who knew that I cooked at
home and said to make and sell the food myself. So I did.
In the spring of 2002 was when,
“FLACOS”, debuted at the Berkeley Farmers Market. I
remembered some of the favorite foods I used to eat growing up when I
and my sister Arlene would help our mom make homemade tortillas. I
would remember my mom roasting the chiles in the morning for a sauce to
make tamales the next day. I asked my mom for the recipes that my
grandmother had passed unto her and replaced all the animal ingredients
with vegetarian based substitutes. Working thru countless nights
(Allison and Carlos) and armed with two fresh pots of tamales for the
masses, Carlos and I fed the few people who showed up to try this new
idea of, “Vegetarian Mexican Food” on a cold Saturday
morning.
It was unheard of back then, and to this
day, people always take a second glance after reading the sign. Slowly
but steadily it caught on and the “regulars” kept coming
back and bringing friends and family to try this new vegan food. I have
met so many genuinely supportive, kind and cool people while at the
market and I am grateful for that. Some are vegan, some are vegetarians
and some are just people who enjoy deliciously authentic, hand
prepared, Mexican food. No, you won’t find any processed items or
micro waved foods in our dishes. All of the ingredients are GMO-FREE
and organic as season and availability permits.
Thanks to the loyal support from you, our
customers, FLACOS can be found at all three Berkeley Farmers Markets.
With the regular help and recipes of assistant chef Samuel, FLACOS is
now able to offer three entrees, three sides and two drinks on any
given Saturday. I know a lot of you are asking when will we open a
restaurant, soon we will be at a set location… more details to
follow.
My never ending appreciation and undying
gratitude goes out to all who have helped me in more ways than one
these past couple of years. Linda and Carolyn for your great ideas and
traveling daycare for those unexpected moments…. Elizabeth for
helping me out in those tight spots…. Alfonso and Sandra for your
great logo and t-shirt designs and technical support…. Beatriz,
Mago and Martha at BAHIA…. Mary, for your counsel and patience...
Arlene and Fernando for the great stay at hotel Jimenez in
Oxnard…. Anastasia for being patient with me and being my
ever-faithful assistant…. Abuelita Carmen for passing on all
those great recipes to my mom, I will always remember you when I light
the candle and make tamales – thanks mom for trusting in me to
carry on the recipes for all to enjoy. And to all of you who have, in
one form or another given me guidance, courage and support in many ways
– physically, emotionally and financially. Mil Gracias… see
you at the market!
--Antonio
