Hey there! I’m Eliana, the home cook, food lover, and storyteller behind ElianasEats. Welcome to my little corner of the internet where I share my passion for delicious food and the stories that make each dish special.
My Story
Food has always been the heartbeat of my family. Some of my earliest memories are from my grandmother’s kitchen in San Antonio, standing on a wooden stool, watching her hands work magic with simple ingredients.
The smell of freshly made tortillas on Sunday mornings still takes me right back to those days. That’s where I learned that cooking isn’t just about feeding people—it’s about love, connection, and preserving heritage.
After studying at the Culinary Institute of America here in San Antonio, I spent a few years working in restaurants across Texas.
I soaked up everything I could from the talented chefs I worked with, but always knew I wanted to create something that was uniquely mine. When 2020 hit and the world slowed down, ElianasEats was born.
What started as sharing kitchen experiments during lockdown grew into this website where I could share not just recipes, but the heart behind them.
Why I Cook
For me, cooking is part creative expression, part love language, and part cultural preservation.
I believe in honoring traditional methods while not being afraid to play and experiment.
Some days that means faithfully recreating my abuela’s chile con carne exactly as she taught me, and other days it means throwing together unexpected flavor combinations just to see what happens.
I cook with the seasons as much as possible, letting what’s fresh and local guide my kitchen adventures.
Living in Texas means I’m blessed with amazing produce, meat, and dairy nearly year-round, and I love showcasing these ingredients in ways that let their natural flavors shine.
Life in San Antonio
San Antonio isn’t just where I live—it’s a huge part of who I am as a cook. I’m lucky to call the Washita Way area (78256) home, where I get to enjoy both the vibrant city energy and the natural beauty of the nearby Hill Country.
This city is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines that feeds my creativity daily.
Where else can you find authentic Tex-Mex next to Texas barbecue, with German Hill Country influences just a short drive away?
The historic markets, family-owned restaurants passed down through generations, and innovative new chefs pushing boundaries—all of these make San Antonio one of the most exciting food cities in America.
On weekends, you’ll often find me exploring local farmers’ markets, trying out new restaurants in different neighborhoods, or hosting impromptu dinner parties for friends.
The food community here is so welcoming, and I’m constantly learning from the people I meet.
What You’ll Find Here
ElianasEats is like my digital kitchen table—a place where everyone’s welcome to pull up a chair and stay awhile.
Here’s what you can expect:
Real-life recipes: Food should be delicious but also doable. My recipes are thoroughly tested in my home kitchen and designed for real people with busy lives. I’ll never ask you to hunt down impossible-to-find ingredients or spend eight hours on a weeknight dinner.
Stories with substance: Every dish has a story—whether it’s tied to my family history, inspired by a memorable meal, or connected to San Antonio’s rich food culture. I believe knowing these stories makes the food taste even better.
Seasonal inspiration: I share what I’m actually cooking right now, based on what’s in season and what’s happening in life. Summer means bright, fresh flavors that don’t require much time at the stove. Fall brings comforting dishes that fill your home with mouthwatering aromas. You get the idea.
Kitchen wisdom: Beyond recipes, I’m passionate about sharing techniques, ingredient spotlights, and tips that will help you become more confident and creative in your own kitchen. Cooking should be fun, not intimidating!
A sustainable approach: I’m always learning about ways to cook more sustainably—reducing food waste, making smart ingredient choices, and honoring the resources that go into our food. I’ll bring you along on this journey.
Beyond the Kitchen
When I’m not cooking or photographing food, you might find me hiking the trails around San Antonio, tending to my ever-growing herb garden, or volunteering with local food banks.
I’m a huge believer in food accessibility and regularly teach community cooking classes focused on healthy, budget-friendly meals.
My home is filled with cookbooks (I may have a slight addiction), pottery collected from local artisans, and my loyal taste-tester—a lovable mutt named Luna who somehow always knows when chicken is on the menu.
Let’s Connect
The best part about food is sharing it, right? I love hearing from readers—whether you tried one of my recipes, have a question about a technique, or want to share your own food memories. This isn’t just my space; it’s ours.
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And of course, bookmark this site and check back regularly for new recipes and food stories.
I’m truly grateful you’re here. Whether you’re looking for tonight’s dinner inspiration or just enjoy reading about food, thank you for stopping by my table.
Buen provecho!
Eliana