Chef Iliana de la Vega on Heritage, Motherhood & Mexican Cuisine

In this heartfelt episode of the #WiRLPod, we sat down with Chef Iliana de la Vega—James Beard Award-winning chef, educator, and founder of El Naranjo in Austin, Texas. From her early days exploring the markets of Oaxaca to leading one of the country’s most respected Mexican kitchens, Iliana shares how heritage, memory, and matriarchal influence have shaped her journey.