By Peggy Phillips
Burbank, California (The Hollywood Times) – 05/15/2025
Guests from as far away as Malibu and Orange County gathered at the stunning PBS SoCal studio in Burbank for a special evening yesterday, May 14th, honoring acclaimed chef and author Pati Jinich.
The event celebrated the launch of her captivating new docuseries, Pati Jinich Explores Panamericana, which is now airing on PBS. The series follows Jinich on an epic journey inspired by the legendary Pan-American Highway, a route stretching from the icy reaches of Alaska to the tip of South America. As she travels through regions like Alaska and Alberta, Jinich meets local people, uncovers untold stories, and shares vibrant, authentic recipes rooted in the heart of the Americas.
Pati Jinich Explores Panamericana is more than a culinary adventure—it’s a powerful celebration of how diverse cultures across the continent influence, enrich, and inspire one another. The evening at PBS SoCal was filled with warmth, conversation, and admiration for a chef whose work goes beyond the kitchen to build bridges through food, history, and humanity.
We were even offered a tasting of her Ceviche Tostada Puerto Vallarta and Ginger and Pistachio Guacamole. Both dishes included ingredients that one might not expect in traditional Mexican food, but they were absolutely delicious, showcasing Pati’s creative approach to blending flavors and traditions.
Andrew Russell, President and CEO of PBS SoCal, took the stage to deliver a heartfelt and urgent message. Amid the excitement, Russell highlighted the growing threat to federal funding that supports public media across the United States. He emphasized the vital role that this funding plays in keeping PBS programming accessible, inclusive, and independent.
Here’s a video to share:
His remarks were met with strong support from the audience, many of whom are loyal viewers, donors, and public media advocates. Russell urged attendees to contact their representatives and make their voices heard to preserve funding for public media. Following this important call to action, he introduced Pati Jinich.
Pati is charming, talkative, and enthusiastic. Since 2011, she has hosted Pati’s Mexican Table, a James Beard Award-winning series that invites viewers into her home kitchen. Each episode explores authentic Mexican recipes, regional traditions, and personal anecdotes, offering a heartfelt look at the flavors and stories that define Mexican cuisine. The show skillfully blends cooking demonstrations with cultural insights, making it both educational and entertaining.
Her latest series, Pati Jinich Explores Panamericana, debuted in April 2025. This documentary-style journey along the Pan-American Highway showcases the rich and diverse cultures, histories, and cuisines of the Americas. It features interviews with local communities, explorations of regional dishes, and reflections on identity and migration.
In addition to her television work, Pati Jinich is the author of three celebrated cookbooks that delve into Mexican cuisine:
- Pati’s Mexican Table shares comforting family recipes rooted in tradition.
- Mexican Today offers a fresh take by blending classic flavors with global influences.
- Treasures of the Mexican Table features a rich collection of regional recipes, many rarely seen outside Mexico, and is a New York Times bestseller as well as an IACP Award winner.
All of Pati’s books are available at major bookstores and on her website: patijinich.com.
This event at PBS SoCal was not only a celebration of food and culture but also a powerful reminder of the importance of public media in our communities. It was an inspiring evening filled with hope and connection. I highly recommend watching her PBS series, Pati Jinich Explores Panamericana.
If you want to explore Pati Jinich’s work further, visit:
Pati’s Mexican Table on PBS
Pati Jinich Explores Panamericana on PBS
Pati Jinich Official Website
