Hello there, food enthusiasts!

I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself to all those curious about the roots of my love for food.

My name is Ana Paola Davila Chalita, quite the mouthful with a mix of Mexican and Lebanese heritage. On my dad’s side, the Davila family hails from Mexico, and on my mom’s side, the Chalita family brings a touch of Lebanese descent.

My grandmother, Yezmin, born in Mexico, carried with her the Lebanese traditions passed down from her mother. Growing up in this fusion of cultures, she became the torchbearer of traditions that might have otherwise faded. It was at her side that I learned the art of patience making Belewes, a special kind of baklava. She taught me the ins and outs of crafting labneh from scratch, always chasing perfection with every batch. Those experiences ignited a real passion for food and the stories it carries. As I delved into the history and tradition behind each dish, I found myself captivated by the global language of food, one that speaks across cultures and time.

You can catch my food journey on my Instagram food blog (@paoladavilach), a space where fellow foodies gather for recipes and ideas. If you’re not already there, I'd love for you to join the community.

Freshly armed with a master’s degree in Journalism from the University of Texas at Austin, I’m not only excited about flavors but also passionate about the might of words.

To me, writing is the most elegant way to express oneself, and I'm here to merge my two loves – the pleasure of taste and the eloquence of words. I'm thrilled to share my adoration for both the amazing dishes and ingredients we savor and the stories that make them special.

For they say love is universal, but I believe food gives it a run for its money. Food brings people together, sparks conversations, and forges bonds. There's a saying that the route to someone's heart is through their stomach. These are my food love letters.