Bricia Lopez

There are two things Bricia cannot live without: Mole and Mezcal.

Having been born and raised in Mitla, Oaxaca, rich in culinary tradition and indigenous food culture, Bricia comes from a long lineage of Oaxacan Mezcal craftsman. She grew up in her grandmothers kitchen where alongside her mother and sisters, lived the traditions of mole and true artisanal cooking. Her father founded Guelaguetza in 1994, a Oaxacan restaurant that has become a temple to Oaxacan food and tradition in Los Angeles and the US. She began working alongside her family in the restaurant business at a very young age. Bricia is a graduate of Mount Saint Mary’s College, majoring in Business Administration. She is currently a partner at Guelaguetza and today, spearheads all operations.

Bricia has become a staunch proponent of Oaxacan culture and an integral figure in the gastronomic culture of Los Angeles. Last year “Bricia” cocktails began popping up in LA’s bar scene with a couple more in Chicago. The “Sweet Bricia” made Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Jonathan Gold’s 2011 55 Essential Cocktails list. She has participated as a judge and a panelist in several food and spirits events discussing authenticity in Mexican cuisine and mezcal’s influence in mixology and in today’s spirits market. Bricia was chosen one of LA Weekly’s "Best of LA" in their annual People Issue. Bricia is currently working with GOT MILK on a summer Licuado campaign targeting the Hispanic market where she serves as a spokesperson mixing Oaxacan influenced ingredients with milk for the perfect summer licuado. She is a founding member of the National American Alliance‘s Emerging Leader program for the Los Angeles chapter and sits of the board for The Taste of Mexico Association in Los Angeles.

Referred to as a “Oaxacan Princess” by Jonathan Gold, Bricia has been quoted on her expertise by Conde Nast Traveler and The New Yorker. Bricia’s and her family’s story has been featured on local television, numerous blogs and several publications including a cover story for The Los Angeles Times, LA Weekly, OC Weekly, Los Angeles Magazine, Brand X, Sunset Magazine, a featured story on KPCC, GQ and Travel and Leisure.

You can follow Bricia’s blog at www.BriciaLopez.com.