September fifteenth through October fifteenth is National Hispanic Heritage Month in the United States. These weeks are set aside to celebrate Hispanic and Latino Americans like Abilene’s own Lupe Hernandez.
On a recent summer day Lupe Hernandez scoops up a fistful of dough, folds cheese and shredded zucchini into the center, then she slaps the mixture between her hands to flatten and drop onto a sizzling grill.
She’s making pupusas, a traditional Salvadorian dish made from a thick corn tortilla filled with meat, cheese and vegetables. It looks a little like a savory pancake.
Hernandez is the owner and head cook at El Pulgarcito De America. She runs the business with her family and keeps long hours at the restaurant.
“I really like serving others and having them satisfied when they eat here,” Hernandez says.
Hernandez says she wants customers to be served correctly and warmly so they can taste the good flavors.
"It was my American Dream," Hernandez says. "When I came to the United States, my dream was to come here and to work hard and succeed. I am grateful to live here; this is a great country, with so many opportunities for those who want to work."
Hernandez says her country is beautiful but she likes living in Abilene. She says Abilene is a quiet town filled with great people.
Her restaurant has a homey feel to it because a lot of customers linger after their meals and talk with Hernandez and her husband.
“I love this little town,” Hernandez says. “I love it because people are warm.”
