About Me

My Journey

Because of my independent and adventurous nature, I moved to Austin, Texas in 1984. For 15 years I held different jobs in the service industry, working as a cook, baker, and server at various area restaurants, and later as a wine and spirits representative. I believe that my service industry experiences gave me a strong foundation and unique perspective that came in handy later as a food writer and restaurant reviewer.

After receiving my bachelor’s degree with honors in Anthropology and a minor in Latin American Studies from the University of Texas, I began combining my newfound love for writing and research with my cooking passion and heritage.

I published my first paid article in a fledgling Austin Monthly magazine in 2000, followed by 15 years writing for the Austin Chronicle. Today, I am widely published nationally and internationally, in English and Spanish.

My Interests

I continue exploring my scholarly interests as an independent researcher of gastronomy and foodways, presenting at national and international conferences and workshops and sharing my knowledge of Mexican food and culture with scholars, colleagues, and chefs.

Since I traveled across Mexico with my family as a child, the seeds of wanderlust were planted at an early age. Through the years I have been lucky to visit many countries, always interested in the local cuisine, customs, and botany. I usually find people and things that inspire me to write their stories and share these experiences with everyone.

I also found a calling in dog rescue, dedicating 10 years as a volunteer and foster parent with Austin Pets Alive! I am a strong advocate for dog rescue.

Testimonials

ATX Cocina Restaurant

"Building that relationship with you and going to Mexico has been everything to me, one of the greatest experiences of my life. Learning the history of Mexico, and the food, and the friendships that were built along the way. A friend introduced us and I’m so grateful for that moment because we've grown together, you are a huge part of this restaurant." Kevin Taylor, Executive Chef/Owner, ATX Cocina

Tour of Xochimilco

"My favorite part of our trip to Mexico City was the day we spent with Claudia and Verónica exploring Xochimilco. Driving into the borough is like traveling back in time as the streets get narrower and the seams of Lake Xochimilco begin to show through, in an intricate pattern of canals and floating farms. Our system of transportation changed to boat, and we were ferried into a world of farms growing flowers, trees, vegetables and even an animal preserve (my daughter’s favorite part). The farms are built as they were hundreds of years ago. Hours later we wandered through the market, tasting the produce we had seen on the farms; greens, fresh queso and peppers, the richest elote I’ve ever tried."
Katie Bender, Austin, Texas

Taco tour of Austin

"I am here to tell you the tale of hanging out with Claudia Alarcon, a local food writer with a tremendous amount of energy, life, and knowledge of the local Tex-Mex and Interior Mex food scene. Claudia has the knowledge of the Austin food scene that only someone who has lived here for 28 years could possess. She grew up in Mexico City, moved to Austin at 18, and has an innate ease when discussing all things related to Mexican cuisine. I asked if she would take me on a taco tour of Austin. Thankfully for me, she said yes. Her passion for her City and its cuisine is absolutely infectious." Theo Peck of The Food Experiment