Special Events

2024
Thursday, July 25, 6 pm – 8 pm

Santa Monica History Museum welcomes culinary historian Maite Gomez-Rejón, the founder of ArtBites as we take a look at “El Cocinero Español” the first Mexican-American cookbook published in the U.S. (1898). Pinedo’s story and a tasting of her rice pudding recipe will be followed by a Q&A with local author Terri de la Peña, who will share stories about the rancho-era Marquez family in Santa Monica, including family pit BBQs and culinary traditions that were passed down through the generations. 

For over a decade Maite Gomez-Rejón has been exploring the nexus of art and culinary history through lectures, cooking classes and tastings presented at museums and cultural centers across the country.

Maite is an educator, writer and cook. She has worked in the Education Departments of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the J. Paul Getty Museum, has taught art history at the college level and worked as a private chef and caterer. Her essays and articles have been printed in various publications. She has recently delved into the curatorial field with exhibitions on the history of maize, chocolate, and on the life and legacy of Mexican culinary pioneer Josefina Velazquéz de León at LA Plaza Cocina de Gloria Molina in Los Angeles.

This event is FREE, and includes time for visitors to explore museum exhibitions.