Healing your body and your soul
Carmen García migrated to Chicago 35 years ago. García left her homeland because the Civil War was devastating El Salvador; she became a refugee. Upon arrival in the city, she got involved with solidarity groups that were supporting the peace process in her country. She contributed by making pupusas (the traditional street appetizer from El Salvador) to raise funds for the cause. She learned the art of making pupusas in San Salvador, her aunt had a pupusería; at 16, García began helping her. During three decades, García prepared pupusas for special events in Chicago and last summer she began selling them at the Pilsen Community Market. Week after week, there are long lines of customers waiting to taste this Salvadoran delicacy in Pilsen. At the Market, García offers three kinds of pupusas: traditional refried beans; chicharron prensado (tomato, onion and meaty pork belly); cheese with loroco (a vine with edible flowers, widespread in Central America). Nowadays, Carmen García has two goals on her mind: 1) Teach her granddaughter the art of making pupusas so that she can continue with the long family culinary tradition, and 2) continue helping social organizations engaged in making progressive change in society. García’s philosophy is, “I was born to help those in need and I will die helping them. I don’t care about the color of the skin. I only care about social justice and positive change.”
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Thad Smith, Founder Westside Bee Boyz, LLC, graduated from the U-Turn Permitted program in June 2013. Thad discovered his love and passion for bees. In 2014, Thad became Sweet Beginnings’ first Apprentice, managing more than 131 colonies in multiple locations and providing honeybee education. In August 2014, Thad started Westside Bee Boyz LLC with the purpose of establishing a Beekeeping supply store in the heart of the Westside of Chicago. He realized his dream and opened The Hive-Chicago’s Beekeeping Supply Store. Currently Thad is producing a new drink called “Honey Bee Tea” and a filtered water “W2O”. Thad brings enthusiasm and a positive attitude to his company, and has proven to be an effective leader for the Westside Bee Boyz, LLC organization.
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Pilsen’s Italian Ice was opened on May 24, 2019 by Eva Hernandez who is an Army Veteran. Eva grew up in South Chicago before joining the Army. Pilsen’s Italian Ice currently offers 6 flavors of Italian Ice which are Lemon, Watermelon, Mango, Piña Colada, Chocolate, and Blue Raspberry. Additionally, Pilsen's Italian Ice offers Mexican Style Fire Roasted Corn available in various flavors. Here at Pilsen's Italian Ice we hope to bring a smile to you and/or your family.
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