Jose Torres
El Pelón
2197 Commonwealth Avenue, Brighton
92 Peterborough Street, Boston
www.elpelon.com
Having not only risen from the ashes of a devastating fire but doubled in size in recent years to serve even more devoted fans, El Pelon brings authentic taqueria tastes to Boston and beyond. From light tostadas to big and beefy (or vegetarian) burritos and the locally-sourced fish tacos, El Pelon offers a wide array of flavors, all made to order in-house with the freshest ingredients from tested family recipes. Helmed by Mexican native Jose Torres, the couple of cozy casitas are great places to drop by for a bite or to call to cater your next fiesta.
Matt’s Meals: How did you get into cooking?
Jose Torres : Since I was little and until today, I was always intrigued by the way my mother and all the family would get together and cook. This was really intriguing, to see all the collaboration from every member in the family from the small dishes to more complex ones. This really inspired me to get involved into Mexican cuisine.
MM: Where was your first professional kitchen experience?
JT: I grew up in a little town in Mexico, and Puerto Vallarta was very close to me, so one day I decided to take a risk and go out to the real world and start doing something on my own. This is how I came across with an opportunity at a high end resort in the city called Crown Paradise, and in here I had the opportunity to become the sous chef. Here is when I realized the importance that Mexican Cuisine has all around the world.
MM: What is your favorite dish to prepare?
JT: Mole is probably the most typical dish in Mexico. To prepare it, it requires a very long and complicated process. It takes more than 20 different ingredients, from a great variety of peppers to chocolate. To create this dish it is a real art
MM: What is the best part of your job?
JT: The best part of my job is to be able to work as a team. Everybody coordinates as a family, because this is very common in my country, and we give out our best to our customers, because at the end of the day all our hard work is for them
MM: Who is your favorite chef in Boston?
JT: My favorite chef is Jamie Mammano, I really admire his work and the flavor in his cuisine.
MM: What do you usually make for yourself at home?
JT: I love Mexican food because it reminds me to my country. To be able to cook something easy such as tacos that are the flavors from home feels really great
MM: If you could dine with any three people, who would they be?
JT: First of all, it would be God because He has always been a really important part of my life. Second, it would be my father because who has guided me in every moment of my life, Lastly, it would be Jim Hoben because I have so much respect and admiration for him. He always believed in me and I can see how much he has achieved and admire for that. He inspires me every day to give out my best and even a little bit more