On Tuesday, April 30, 2019, Petty Cash and Sari Sari Store in Grand Central Market participated in the opening night of the 2019 Los Angeles Times FOOD BOWL. The evening began with Mesamerica LA at the Million Dollar Theater in downtown Los Angeles. Mesamerica LA is the first incarnation of chef Enrique Olvera’s celebrated symposium to be held outside of Mexico.

Olvera and L.A. Times Food Editor Peter Meehan put together a program that explored the culinary and cultural interconnectedness of Mexico City and Los Angeles to celebrate the sister cities’ 50-year anniversary. Art, architecture, identity and the meaning of tacos were explored through talks, video, and song. The Mesamérica event was followed by DFiesta next door at Grand Central Market and La Cita Bar. Most of the market featured for-purchase chef collaborations, roving Mariachi bands and other Mexico City-inspired merriment.