Victor & Gabby Ramos: Bringing Community Together Through Food & Culture
LA may not be known for a city that has a large afro latino community but two siblings by the name of Victor and Gabby Ramos are changing that narrative and are building something more than just a family business, they’re creating a movement. As proud Puerto Rican and Dominican chefs, they are using food as a vessel to connect people, honor their heritage, and celebrate the rich diversity of Afro-Latino culture. Their company, Casa De Lola, is a love letter to their roots, while their event series, Capicua, is bringing the community together in ways they never imagined.
Victor and Gabby’s passion for food runs deep, inspired by generations before them. Their grandmother, Lola, was a major inspiration behind their journey, and it was only fitting that they named their company in her honor. “She came to the U.S. from the Dominican Republic with nothing but her traditions and resilience,” Gabby shared. “Her food was a reflection of her love, and we want to carry that forward.”
Though both siblings took culinary classes, their true education came from their parents’ kitchen. “We learned by watching, tasting, and experiencing,” Victor says. “That’s how our ancestors passed down storytelling, through recipes.” For him, cooking is more than a skill; it’s a way to honor the past. “I am the voice of my ancestors,” he adds.
What started as an intimate gathering of friends over home cooked meals quickly grew into something much bigger. Casa De Lola has evolved into a thriving catering company that reimagines traditional recipes with their own modern twists.For Victor and Gabby, food is just one part of the equation. Their goal is about more than just flavors, it’s about fostering a sense of belonging. “Food is political,” Gabby explains. “It tells a story of who we are, where we come from, and what we refuse to let be erased.”
With a desire to go beyond the kitchen, the siblings launched Capicua, an event designed to celebrate Afro-Latino culture through food, music, and community. “In LA, it can be easy to feel isolated as an afro latino,” Victor admits. “But when we come together, through food, music, and storytelling, we remember we’re part of something bigger.”
Their ultimate goal when it comes to this party is simple, to leave a legacy of love, joy, and cultural pride. “We want people to feel seen, taken care of, and celebrated,” Gabby says. “That’s what food has always done for us, and now, we’re doing the same for others.”
https://latv.com/victor-gabby-ramos-bringing-community-together-through-food-culture/