One of the many advantages of the city of San Diego has is that It gets the best of both sides of the border when it comes to culinary arts. Both the variety in cuisine the north has to offer, as well as the Mexican delights brought from Baja California, which is why it it's only logical that the first "Latin Food Fest" take place in this beautiful city.

[img srcThumb="http://edgecast.sdr-files.buscafs.com/uploads/news/photos/news_photo_43406_1379441266_630.jpg" srcLink="http://edgecast.sdr-files.buscafs.com/uploads/news/photos/news_photo_43406_1379441266.jpg" size="medium"] Celebrity chefs at the "Latin Food Fest"

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The event sold out, having all 7,000 tickets that were estimated for the event purchased.

The main chefs who's culinary style is "Baja-Med", were the headliners of the event, mainly because of the boost this style has had over the past few years, making Baja California stand out in the event.

There were over a 100 restaurants, wineries and master brewers from the region that came to delight those who attended the event. Among the renowned chefs was celebrity chef from Baja California, Javier Plascencia, owner of several restaurants in the city of Tijuana. "Baja California has it all, our oceans, our wineries, the Guadalupe Valley, all of these ingredients, and people are so nice. If you put that all together, you'll understand why the crowd is so wonderful" Chef Plascencia said to the media.

Tacos Kokopeli, one of Tijuana's hidden treasures, was also present in the event. Chef Guillermo "Oso (bear)" Campos, is part of the new generation of Chefs in Baja California, and doesn't count with a restaurant per say, but rather a small taco shop, where he creates unique tacos that fuse elements of Baja-Med style cooking, with the street taco shop feeling.

On the other hand, the director and creator of the "Latin Food Fest", Lucia Matthews, pointed out that this culinary convention's purpose is that of proving how much the gastronomical offer stands out on both sides of the border, and revealed that next year the event might be held in a simultaneous manner in both Tijuana and San Diego.

It's events like these that have helped change the perception of Baja California. After having gone through a horrible streak of insecurity, Baja California has found a new life source in it's food, wines, beer and artistic expression, which have helped people move on and move forward, and it is such a pleasure to see other countries returning to the State.

Jorge.Guevara@sandiegored.com