Some may recognize Kristell Aguillar as the sweet face that often peers out of her family’s food truck Ensenada ATX, run by her grandmother and aunt with help from her mom, Christina. It opened in East Austin neighboring Cuantos Tacos about two years ago, when Kristell, her mom and grandmother moved from Mexico to Austin. It was through the food truck Kristell connected with local food bloggers who inspired and encouraged her to start her own food blog, documenting all her culinary adventures.
We learned about Kristell when she appeared as a contestant on Season 9 of “Masterchef Junior” earlier this year. She was 10-years-old. We met her, her grandmother, and her mom at Ensenada ATX where we sampled Ensenada’s homemade, individually-wrapped ‘Kristell’s Brownies” that mix Kristell’s passions for cooking and being an entrepreneur. They’re not to be missed! We then joined her at a family friend’s house, where she made the Austin Lifestyle team her delicious Fresh Tuna Tostadas. Between bites, we chatted with this tenacious preteen about her experience on the show, where she has her sights set for the future, advice for other kids with a passion, and more.
How was your experience on “Masterchef Junior”?
The process was so much fun! It was such a great experience and I really enjoyed it. I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.
What was your favorite part?
I met so many new friends and obviously got to meet the world’s most known chef Gordon Ramsey and his daughter Tilly Ramsey.
What was the hardest part?
Saying goodbye to all my new friends.
What’s something you learned from being on the show?
One of the most important lessons I learned from being on this show is to never give up. Even when things don't go your way, always face challenges with your head held high and be proud of how far you've come.
Did a lot of your friends at school watch?
Yes! My teachers were so supportive as well as my classmates.
How did you start cooking?
Thanks to my mom's passion for food and our family's roots in the food industry, I’ve always been involved in the kitchen. I started helping mommy in the kitchen as well as cooking with my grandma, making flour tortillas, when I was about three to four-years-old.
Was your family involved in restaurants prior to Ensenada ATX?
Yes, my mommy had a restaurant in Mexico and supported my dad in running two food trucks in San Diego. Now we have my grandma's food truck and my mommy has her own startup salsa company called Ensenada Salsas, which specializes in Salsa Macha.
How did things transition from cooking with your family to cooking on your own?
I started cooking on my own because I love food. Whenever I went places, I thought, I can make that at home! Sometimes, I just wanted to make food for my mommy and bring it to her in bed. I loved making her pancakes, bacon and eggs in the mornings. I also loved baking cupcakes and taking them to my neighbors' houses. Creating dishes I saw on Instagram or TikTok and giving them my own touch was always a fun challenge for me.
Do you use recipe books or make up your own recipes?
Both. I love seeing new recipes on Instagram or TikTok and I also love learning from my mommy. I enjoy creating my own little recipes with whatever we have at home.
Fresh Tuna Tostada Recipe
Ingredients:
- Fresh tuna
- 2 limes (juice)
- Soy sauce
- Salt
- 1 avocado
- 1 corn tostada
- 1 red onion
- Distilled white vinegar
- Pepper
- Salsa Macha
- Shiitake mushrooms
- Sesame oil
Instructions:
1. Avocado Mix: Smash the avocado with the juice of one lime and salt to taste. Set aside.
2. Pickled Onions: Thinly slice the red onion. Let the slices sit in distilled white vinegar with a pinch of salt and pepper to pickle for at least an hour.
3. Marinated Tuna: Slice the fresh tuna into small pieces. Let it marinate with the juice of the remaining lime, a splash of soy sauce, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
4.: Cook the shiitake mushrooms in a pan with sesame oil. Add a splash of lime juice and salt to taste. Cook until tender and set aside.
5. Assembly:
- Spread the avocado mix evenly over the corn tostada.
- Add the marinated tuna on top of the avocado spread.
- Top with cooked shiitake mushrooms.
- Garnish with pickled onions.
- Drizzle with Salsa Macha.
*I chose to make Tuna Tostadas today because the city where I grew up in Mexico Ensenada BC is a port known for its seafood, so I grew up eating a lot of seafood dishes. One of my favorites is the tuna tostada, which is a popular dish there.
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What do you enjoy about cooking?
One of the things I enjoy most about cooking and food is that it brings people together. We love spending time together as a family and cooking. I always love having pizza or empanada challenges with my Tío Greg. It makes everything so much fun and it creates great memories.
How long have you been baking brownies?
The past three to four years, but it has been two years since I started selling my brownies at Ensenada ATX, consistently.
Why did you decide to make brownies for Ensenada?
One day while helping my Nana I noticed there were no desserts on her menu and I suggested adding desserts. People love them after a meal. She said she didn't have time for that right then so I asked if I could make brownies to sell.
What makes your brownies unique?
My brownies stand out because I give them my own unique twist. I bake some with peanut butter and walnuts with marshmallow. I also have specialties like Gansito with strawberry jam and Choco roll with pineapple jam. I strive to keep changing up the flavors to offer a variety of options.
What’s your dream after high school?
I love cooking and the food industry surrounds me. After high school, I definitely want to have my own company. I would also love to be a TV host in the food industry because I'm passionate about learning how food is made, trying new dishes and meeting people who create wonderful food. I also have a passion for acting and modeling and would like to be a Gucci model one day.
You’ve started acting, can you share anything about any projects you have coming up?
I have always been interested in acting and modeling. They’re passions of mine I'm eager to explore further. I filmed a short film this summer with an Austin writer/director which is an opportunity I'm incredibly thankful for. It's an amazing chance for me to pursue my dreams in acting and embrace new opportunities.
Do you have advice for other kids on pursuing their passions?
Yes, to always pursue your dreams and believe in yourself. It's important to have goals to work for, but never forget to be kind and grateful.
Quick Fire:
Favorite food Tacos!
Favorite thing to cook Pizza
Favorite famous chef Nick DiGiovanni
Favorite Austin restaurants
Nixta Taqueria, Discada, Veracruz Fonda, Bacalar, Lin Asian bar, David’s Doughies Bagels and of course Ensenada ATX
Favorite thing to do (besides cooking) Travel with my mommy, play with my friends, Roblox , make jewelry and watch my favorite TV shows.
Favorite TV shows: “Hannah Montana” & “Ravens Home”