What does culture mean to you?
We’d like to create a video exploring the question, "What does culture mean to me?" The focus will be on the dedication and effort it takes to nurture and pass culture on to future generations. This video will provide an intimate, low-key window into your personal perspective on your cultural journey.
We’ve chosen Lolita’s, a Mexican restaurant in Richmond, as a visual representation of that journey. The restaurant perfectly reflects the Garcia sisters’ heritage, blending their Mexican roots with their American experiences. Through their story, we’ll see how culture is not just inherited, but actively sustained and shared through their food, family traditions, and connection to their community.
Visually, the restaurant speaks to their commitment to culture. From sourcing heirloom corn from rural villages in Mexico to the authentic techniques brought in by their head chef, every detail showcases their passion for honoring their roots and sharing them with the world.
Script
"What does culture mean to me? ...Culture is not just what we inherit, but what we choose to nurture and pass forward
As... first generation Mexican - Americans, we are following in the footsteps of our mother and those who came before us.
Lolita's is about bridging our Mexican and American cultures without losing the soul of Mexican cuisine — which is corn
We use corn sourced from rural villages in Mexico focusing on heirloom varieties.
We brought in Chef Alex, whose expertise in curing, fermentation, and smoking techniques has shaped a menu that highlights fresh, natural flavors.
Our mom taught us the importance of staying true to our roots, and opening Lolita’s in her honor felt like the perfect way to carry on that legacy. We grew up watching her create the most authentic Mexican dishes, and now, with Lolita’s, we get to share that same love and tradition with Richmond
In everything we cook, celebrate, or create, we keep our culture alive, not just for ourselves, but for the generations who will carry it further... yea.. that's what culture means to me.."
