Melting Pot Food Tours Relaunches

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) June 28, 2012

Melting Pot Food Tours announced the official relaunch of its East LA Latin Flavors Tour, originally introduced as the LA Latin Spice Tour in winter 2011. Guests explore the Boyle Heights neighborhood by foot, and also ride in the safe comfort of LA Metro Gold Line trains between tour stops. Inspiring stories of this historic Latin district, artistic contributions, extraordinary cuisine from handmade tamales to pupusas to exotic sorbets, and authentic merchant hospitality remain signatures of this unique culinary adventure.

New features of the tour now include a visit to El Mercado de Los Angeles, additional tastings, and a full-day Metro pass.

"We purposely designed this tour as a way for locals and visitors alike to discover and explore an intriguing neighborhood off the beaten tourist path. Our recent enhancements add even more of the color and charm found in this district," says Lisa Scalia, Proprietor and founding partner of Melting Pot Food Tours.

Her sister and partner Diane Scalia adds, ?Our merchants on this tour are remarkable, inspiring people. Their contributions give special meaning to our City of Angels.?

Inspiring stories begin at the first stop, Homegirl Cafe, a division of Homeboy Industries, founded by Father Greg Boyle as a gang intervention program in 1998. Guests enjoy special blend orange-cinnamon coffee and specialties from Homeboy Bakery, while one young member of the Homeboy family personally shares their story of a having been given a second chance in life. Guests also enjoy a tour of Homegirl?s urban gardens which include wall pockets for growing fresh herbs and flowers.

A Metro train ride then lands guests at Liliana?s, a family owned/operated city landmark for nearly 20 years. Nationally-renowned, freshly-made handmade tamales and Mexican chocolate champurrado are served with great pride.

Exotic fresh fruit sorbet is next enjoyed at El Mercado de Los Angeles, a three-story marketplace that houses everything from groceries to professional services, and two full-service restaurants with Mariachi stages. Guests may sample artisan mole pastes from Mercado stalls at this fascinating locale.

At LaGloria Foods, LA?s first tortilla factory founded 60 years ago, guests savor both sweet and salty specialties made from fresh flour and corn tortillas. A third-generation family member leads a tour around the factory floor, where one million corn tortillas per day are produced. Guests shop at LaGloria?s small grocery store afterward.

The next short Metro train trip escorts guests to the final three Latin Flavors stops, at Mariachi Plaza, the gateway to Boyle Heights? First Street Corridor. This intriguing neighborhood is currently under development and renewal as a center for Latin Arts and Culture, with authentic passion for preserving the Mariachi tradition.

Birrieria Jalisco offers many guests their first experience of birria. This spectacular secret family recipe for slow-cooked goat meat with perfectly-seasoned tomato consomme, originated over 100 years ago in Guadalajara. The family has served this one menu entree exclusively, for 40 years in East Los Angeles.

Un Solo Sol Kitchen introduces guests to Salvadoran pupusas, made with cheese and loroco, a Central American herb. Along with his true passion for revitalizing the First Street Corridor, owner Carlos Ortez shares his desire to transform Latin-American dining habits. His lightened recipe for pupusas honors traditional Mayan flavors with health-conscious substitutions.

Finally, guests meet Juan Romero, Boyle Heights native and owner of Primera Taza, the only coffeehouse in the area. He speaks of his unwavering commitment to bring his beloved neighborhood to vivid life, while serving guests his exquisite iced Mexican chocolate beverage.

"I think this is your best tour yet!" exclaims Nan Marchand Beauvois, Senior Director at US Travel Association. "Where else can you tour a neighborhood like this, that so well captures the true essence of Los Angeles?"

Hungry visitors to Los Angeles interested in learning more about Melting Pot Food Tours? East LA Latin Flavors Tour may visit http://www.meltingpottours.com. Private groups of 10-25 are welcome for this tour; contact Lisa Scalia at 424.247.9666 for more details.

Melting Pot Food Tours was founded by native Angeleno sisters Lisa and Diane Scalia, who share a passionate desire to put Los Angeles on the map as a world-class epicurean destination. Their pure intention is to acquaint locals and tourists with extraordinary neighborhoods and the foods that make them so special and unique. Inspired by the rise in culinary and heritage tourism, and America?s new invitation to visit its Land of Dreams, Lisa and Diane Scalia are joyfully committed to showcasing the rich culinary diversity that is Los Angeles.

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