Memo Torres
Journalist and Director of Partnerships, L.A. Taco
Memo Torres is a multimedia journalist, cultural entrepreneur, and Director of Partnerships at the James Beard Award-winning L.A. Taco. A self-described third-generation landscaper, Mr. Torres brings a grounded, working-class perspective to his storytelling—one shaped by his upbringing in Los Angeles and years spent running his own landscaping business after graduating from the University of California, Berkeley.
His unconventional path into journalism began by chronicling the city’s street food scene while working across neighborhoods as a small business owner. Over time, his writing evolved into a distinctive voice for L.A.’s culinary and cultural identity. Known online as “El Tragón de LA,” he has become one of the region’s most trusted guides to local taquerías, hidden gems, and the stories behind them.
Mr. Torres was a finalist for the prestigious Rubén Salazar Award for Latino Journalists and has been featured on Netflix’s Taco Chronicles and Pressure Cooker. He hosts Yerbalife and currently serves as a correspondent for Apple Maps’ Let’s Eat guide, curating food destinations for a national audience.
His work reflects a deep commitment to community, culture, and place—grounding his reporting in authenticity and lived experience. In 2024, he and his fiancée purchased their first home in Los Angeles, capping off two decades of hard work and entrepreneurship in the city he proudly calls home.
Panel Information
MEDIA - Reclaiming Our Narrative: Reflecting Latino Realities in Traditional and Social Media
3:00 PM
This session will focus on how we can realign the narrative surrounding Latinos in news, television, and film to reflect the real issues and challenges our communities face. For far too long, the portrayal of Latinos has been dominated by stereotypes that misrepresent the complexity of our lives, especially on issues like immigration, healthcare, education, and social justice. Panelists will discuss concrete steps and strategies for improving Latino representation, offering specific suggestions on how the media can tell more authentic stories. This conversation will provide actionable insights on how we can move beyond harmful portrayals and ensure that our voices are accurately and powerfully represented for future generations.