Six Taste Blog

What’s your name, and which food tour do you lead?

Hi! My name is Celeste and I lead the Financial District Tour in Downtown Los Angeles.

Of the five tastes, which are you?

I’m Umami. Everything is better when I’m there, just like MSG.

Let’s say you’re on death row…what would be your last meal?

How morbid! Anyway, my last meal would have to be glorious, gluttonous, and delicious all-you-can-eat deal. To start, I’d have a buttery baguette piled high with Manchego cheese. Next, I’d have some tuna sashimi— the kind that melts in your mouth— and then I’d have a plate of my mom’s spaghetti, made Filipino-style with sweet tomato sauce. I’d also need to have a char-grilled steak, and then some crisp lechon (roasted pork belly), maybe some afternoon tea and scones, and then for dessert, root beer floats, creme brulee, and at least 5 flavors of ice cream or gelato. I don’t think the government would allow me such an indulgent last meal, though.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

I don’t feel guilty about anything I eat! I know it should be a guilty pleasure, but I just can’t stop eating sweets and desserts. Life wouldn’t be the same!

What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?

Once upon a time in Tokyo, I was very, very hungry. I couldn’t read the menu, so in my hunger, I just pointed to something and ordered it. When it came out of the kitchen, it was this eggy and gelatinous concoction… and I quickly realized that it was octopus. I know now that it was most likely okonomiyaki, but my appetite was definitely not ready for a whole octopus on a plate!

What’s a food that you will never eat again?

I haven’t had a real helping of fruits or vegetables since I was a kid. I was scared of them as a child, and I’m still trying to reintroduce them to my non-existent diet. I have no idea what real fruit tastes like, my knowledge of fruit comes from fruit chews and Skittles.

What’s your favorite LA restaurant?

Right now, I’m in love with the rice pudding dessert at Lazy Ox Canteen in Little Tokyo. The menu there is always changing, and I’d say it’s one of the most forward-thinking restaurants in the Los Angeles area.

Outside of doing food tours, what do you do?

I’m Six Taste’s resident graphic designer and brand manager, but I’m also a jetsetter, a singer, and a USC-trained journalist. We’ll see how this all works out!

What’s the best thing about being a Six Taste tour guide?

The best thing is being able to share what I love. I love food, yes, but I also love Los Angeles and the diversity of this city. It’s so rewarding to talk to new people each week, tell them stories, and show them the potential of downtown LA.