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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The eateries are included in the best of California and national categories. -
From Malibu to Altadena, landmarks in the fabric of communities have been destroyed -
With the recent passing of Socorro Herrera, the founder of Yuca’s in Los Feliz, we shine a light on one of our favorite menu items. -
The restaurant community has stepped up after the fires. A (growing) list of places across the city are providing support. -
L.A. bakeries are feeling the squeeze as the affects of bird flu hit hard. -
The fires have wiped out several neighborhood staples. Here's what they meant to the community, and how to help -
We’ve looked into our crystal ball to forecast what will happen in the food world in the new year. -
Chef Johnny Lee, formerly of the much-loved Pearl River Deli, has partnered with the group behind Barra Santos, Found Oyster, and opened a restaurant focused on Malaysian and Southeast Asian flavors. -
LAist food editor Gab Chabran recalls some memorable bites he had throughout SoCal this past year. -
We dive headfirst into a vat of the creamy good stuff.
Stories by Gab Chabrán
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