A dedication ceremony took place downtown on a chilly Thursday, May 30, during which the small plaza and its spacious “teaching kitchen” were renamed LA Cocina de Gloria Molina (literally, “Gloria Molina's Kitchen”). The late Los Angeles County Supervisor Molina would have been delighted to be honored the day before her 76th birthday.
Located just a short walk from the famed Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels, the teaching kitchen and multipurpose event space is known as LA Plaza Cocina and is part of the nonprofit LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes, an affiliated museum of the Smithsonian Institution.
LA Plaza Cocina is acclaimed for its focus on “the history, culture and influence of Mexican and Mexican-American cuisine.” LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes officials said in a prepared statement that the LA Cocina experience will include culturally-based cooking classes, talks, tastings and cooking demonstrations. In addition to these activities, the recently launched Culinary Youth Training Program provides free, bilingual workforce development and skill-building opportunities for young people ages 16-24.
Molina, who died a year ago, was the first woman to serve as a Los Angeles County supervisor and the first Latina elected to the Los Angeles City Council and the California State Assembly. She left behind many lasting accomplishments, including helping to establish the Los Angeles Cultural Arts Center.
