Lunch and Learn: Sabores Ancestrales
Lunch & Learn
Sabores Ancestrales
Day of the Dead is a celebration layered with history, tradition, and cultural heritage from its Indigenous roots to its colonial fusion. These layers are reflected in the tiers of an Ofrenda, as well as in the deep meaning behind each traditional element that adorns it.
As a complement to our Day of the Dead Ofrendas exhibit, through our expert panel discussion with local chefs Latino Arts invites you to explore the rich history, textures, and meanings of two of the celebration’s most beloved culinary elements. Discover the Indigenous significance of corn and its ancestral roots, alongside the fusion of Christianity and Eurocentric culinary traditions introduced through wheat with Pan de Muerto in Día de los Muertos.
*Tickets are $15 and include a light lunch.
**Please note all sales are final.
Meet the Panelists
Chef Nicolas “Nico” Ramos
Chef Nicolas “Nico” Ramos is an award-winning Mexican chef, restaurateur, and culinary entrepreneur whose passion for food celebrates the rich traditions and flavors of Latin America.
Born in central Mexico, Ramos developed his culinary foundation through family traditions and later graduated from Milwaukee Area Technical College’s Culinary Arts Program. In 2006, he and his wife, Citlali Mendieta-Ramos, opened what would become Antigua Latin Inspired Kitchen in West Allis.
Today, Ramos leads the culinary vision behind Antigua Restaurant Group, a growing family of hospitality brands. Through his creativity, culinary expertise, and commitment to cultural authenticity, he continues to bring the diverse flavors and traditions of Latin America to the Milwaukee community.
Maria Mickschl
Originally from Guatemala City, Guatemala, Maria Mickschl spent 26 years working in early childhood education, including 16 years operating her own in-home daycare. In 2022, she discovered a new passion for sourdough baking and took a leap of faith, eventually closing her daycare to pursue her growing baking business full-time.
Today, Maria is the proud owner of Peace and Love, where she specializes in handcrafted sourdough bread made with freshly stone-milled flour and natural spring water. With a commitment to wholesome ingredients and healthy eating, Maria takes pride in creating bread that is both nutritious and delicious.
Through local farmers markets, Maria enjoys connecting with her customers and the vibrant communities that inspire her work. Her passion for baking is fueled by the opportunity to share thoughtfully made, nourishing bread with others.
Jacobo Lovo - Moderator
As the Managing Artistic Director of Latino Arts, Inc., Jacobo Lovo, leads the organization while developing community-focused educational and cultural programming. He also advocates for the arts through collaborations with other arts organizations.
Jacobo believes in the positive impact the arts have on our quality of life and strongly believes the arts play a crucial role in strengthening Milwaukee's economic vitality and competitiveness in developing and attracting talent locally, nationally, and internationally.
Prior to his role at Latino Arts, Jacobo spent 16 years as an art educator for Latino Arts’ sister-organization, United Community Center.