Both Aaron Sanchez and Daniel Suarez are both very well known celebrities. From the seat of a roaring racecar at a Nascar event to the television shows of the culinary world, both of these bright and passionate Hispanic men celebrate their heritage and all that it brings. Naturally, we here at The Snob wanted to interact with them and get their take on how cars, food and culture come together for them!
Quaker State Motor Oil has created a fun and exciting new series highlighting these two men of business, leisure to showcase the many facets and intersections between each other and the wider world. We had the chance to sit down with Chef Aaron Sanchez to ask him a few questions about this new venture and about how he sees where we are all headed.
- How do you see the intersection of car culture and food culture today vs. say 50 years ago?
I think both industries are taking advantage of the latest technologies. With food, there are higher-power ovens that allow for faster cooking times and increased efficiency. I think it’s the same thing with the automotive industry because the technology today allows for higher-performing cars.
2. Do you think younger generations of foodies and car lovers are still close together or are they trending apart?
There is still a strong connection. The younger generation of foodies and car lovers share a common passion for working with their hands.
3. No matter where I travel in the world, people love Latin food and cars. Why do you think that is?
People feel a strong sense of nostalgia for both cars and food whether you’re cooking at home with your family or taking a drive on Sunday to church. Currently, I’m involved in a new digital content series with my friend and NASCAR driver of the No. 99 Quaker State Chevrolet for Trackhouse Racing, Daniel Suárez, where we team up with Quaker State to showcase the passion we both have for cars and food. You can catch the debut episode on YouTube (Click here for video!).
4. How do you think food has influenced car culture or vice versa, how do you think cars have influenced food culture, particularly when it comes to Latin Americans?
For many in Latin culture, cars and cuisine go hand in hand. I think there’s a lot of overlap as far as traditions. There is always a new car coming out that has a nod to the old-school cars, and it’s the same thing with food. We are constantly spinning old recipes to make them newer and fresher but still trying to keep the tradition of the recipe.
5. What can we do to keep food and cars alive and thriving when it comes from a cultural perspective?
The biggest thing is showing the younger generations. Bring your kids into the garage and take them on drives. Show them how to change a tire or have them pump the gas. Similarly, with food, bring them into the kitchen and have them cook with you or better yet cook with grandma and grandpa. I think the hands-on approach is the way to do it.
6. What is it that you love most about cars and food? Why do you think you have this passion and where does it come from?
My passion for cars has always been rooted in the vivid memories I have of my dad. I remember his vintage car and the smell of leather, his cologne, and cigarettes, while we drove around. Just thinking about it makes me nostalgic. I think the idea of flavor memory really made me fall in love with food. It just made so much sense to me. Ultimately, it all boils down to family traditions and memories.
7. Tell me how you keep food and cars alive in your personal life?
I’m very outspoken about my love for both. I always park my cars in front of my restaurants. In New Orleans, people know my cars and recognize me driving around town. If I go to a cookout or an event at one of my restaurants, I always take my car and make sure it’s visible. Teaming up with Daniel Suárez and Quaker State has given me the opportunity to talk about my love for cars and food; and how both are linked to my Latin culture. Check out the entire three-part series available on Quaker State’s social media channels soon!
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