Gab Chabrán
Food & Culture Writer
(he/him)
Gab Chabrán is a lifelong resident of Southern California. He grew up in Whittier, where he attended Whittier College. He began his journalism career writing for the local music rag L.A. Record where he wrote album and live music reviews. He became a regular contributor at L.A. Taco, where he was part of the James Beard Award-winning team. His monthly music column "Taco de Sonido", profiled up-and-coming artists from the Latinx community. He's been a regular contributor to LAist, Eater LA, Thrillist, Los Angeleno, KCET Artbound, and The New York Times.
My approach to coverage is to discover how food connects us to the ever-so-layered social fabric of Southern California and how food tells the region's story. Every dish has its historical significance. A taco is not just a taco; it's a window to the Mexican Revolution. Pizza is not just pizza; it's the vehicle for immigrants to enter the restaurant game. Noodles aren't just noodles; it's the personification of generational conflict and perseverance. My framework for writing and assigning stories aims to highlight the rich cultural histories of the L.A. region and broaden the LAist platform further to include, but not exclusive to, previously overlooked populations that exist beyond the confines of the city-area proper yet remain vital to its existence.
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Imagine biting into an egg sandwich, but also tasting a hint of spiced rum. Echo Park's Mohawk Bend is twisting brunch in an interesting way. -
From delicious tacos to juicy soup dumplings to piled-high bacon-wrapped hot dogs, the street food of Los Angeles can fit almost every set of taste buds. -
Between school, sports practices, band recitals and birthday parties, you're going to need sustenance. -
We are in the middle of a bread renaissance, a golden age of carbs and the humble loaf is finally getting the respect it deserves. -
This is the new normal, not just for Tommy Mofid but for the proprietors of most L.A. County bars — if their establishments haven't closed for good. -
Every scene in every city in every era has at least one band like this. You'll never hear about most of these bands. Outside a cadre of devoted fans, no one will.
Stories by Gab Chabrán
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