See why Pasco, Washington is on the Move!

 

Watch my presentation on Pasco to the Mexican Chamber of Commerce NW Chapter

 

How to get a hot shower anytime you want!

Michael Heppler shows off a tankless water heater 

Are you tired of your hot water running out when you really want to take a relaxing shower or bath?

If you’ve got a full house, packed with kids, significant others and anybody else in the family --- then you know --- it’s almost impossible to get a hot shower if you’re the last person in the house to get one.

But have you ever thought about a tankless water heater?

Watch Michael Heppler talk about tankless water heaters.

12 News' Mike Gonzalez had a chance to talk with a plumbing expert Michael Hepler from Step Up Plumbing in Phoenix who says you’ll save money in the long run --- and even raise the value of your home when you decide sell it.  Heppler says if you have a conventional water heater…the sooner you get rid of it...the better.

"Basically we have 1950’S Technology called the tank water heater --- that is on 24/7, 365 days a year. When that glass gets worn out,  it hits the metal  --- then it can flood the garage," says Heppler.

Heppler says tankless water heater will cost you about twice much as an old tank water heater. For a home with 2 to 3 bathrooms, it will run about $3,200 dollars.

"It’s going to last twice as long. 15 to 20 years is the what the warranty is on a tankless water heater. Where your old water heater has a 9 year warranty. 

Michael says new technology has finally caught up with the tankless water heater industry, it's drastically improved the safety, it's saves you space....your husband will get his garage back --- you'll have more space in your closet,  and allows for endless hot water in throughout your house.

"So you’re getting 97 percent efficiency here. Your old water runs 24/7 and it is at 60 percent efficiency. That means 40 percent of your money is going out the window," says Heppler.

Heppler says he’s seeing more investors asking him to install tankless water heaters in homes. "I compare it to a granite counter top. You can’t sell a house without one these days.  It’s the only thing you can put in the house and add value, " said Heppler.

There's also advantages for snowbirds. 

"A tankless water heater  will  never flood your house. If you’re snow bird you never half to drain you water heater before you leave Phoenix you just press this. When you come back next year you just push the button," says Heppler.

Heppler says installation takes 6 to 7 hours  ---and must be performed by a licensed plumber --- if not, most manufacturers,  will not honor the warranty. Heppler says this is no do it yourself project...so be very careful who you choose.

 "You stand in your shower and it never runs out of hot water," said Heppler with a smile.

So if you’ve been asking the age old question of how to get a hot shower anytime I want? Now you have the answer.

If you’d like to get more information on tankless water heaters, contact Michael at Step Up Plumbing at 480-703-3533.

Owner of the only Cuban restaurant in Phoenix living the American Dream.

Cuban Foods Bakery and Restaurant 43rd and Peoria in9 Phoenix, AZ 602-296-575

Even though Cuba is 2,243 miles from Phoenix, Manuel Cias-Hernandez has kept the island close to his heart. "Cuba is a beautiful country. It's surrounded by water with great beaches. It has wonderul food. I wanted to bring a piece of the island with me here. That's why I opened the restaurant," said Cias-Hernandez.

Manuel Cias-Hernandez shows of the flan to the camera

HFNTV paid Cuban Foods Bakery and Restaurant a visit in the middle of August during an Arizona heat wave. But even temperatures around 110 degrees didn't stop dozens of customers from streaming in all day. "We love it here. This is comida typica (Authentic Cuisine). It's just like the Island," said Juan Ramirez.

Cuban style steak

Ramirez is a Cuban transplant from Orlando, Florida comes to the restaurant beause it's the only place he can get Cuban style steak, white rice and black beans. "Besides the great food Manuel and Ana are great people. We come for the great food but it's a great experience also," said Ramirez.

Cuban style chcken marinated in Lemon and Garlic topped with Onions, served with blace bean and white rice

When Manuel Cias-Hernandez reflects on how far he's come 12 years after leaving Cuba it's easy to
see why he always has a smile on his face. "We came here more than 12  years ago as political refugees. We decided to stay in Arizona because we could find work easy here. We got here November 3, 2005. The tempature was 110. It was something new at the time," said Cias-Hernandez.

At 28 years old Manuel Cias-Hernandez and his wife Ana were political refugees. The pair had
a young son, 100 dollars in their pocket and head full of dreams they wanted to make come true.
"The beginning it was hard because this is a capitalist country, obviously it's a lot different
mind set. But I just love this country. It's about putting in the hard work. We really worked
hard to get great results and you can see the fruits of our labor now. It's all worth it. In 2015 we became U.S. citizens and we are so proud, " said  Cias-Hernandez.

Media Noche is a version of the Cuban Sandwich with a different sytle bread.

As political refugees Manuel and Ana were given an apartment for six months in central Phoenix.
Manuel worked in construction and Ana worked odd jobs. But the couple always kept their eye
on the dream of opening Phoenix's first Cuban restaurant. After five years of saving for his dream Manuel finally made it happen. "I had to have two jobs. I worked from 5 a.m  in the construction business. Then I'd come here to the restaurant from 4 to 10. It was hard for two years. No weekends just working. We opened this restaurant seven years ago," said Cias-Hernandez,

The resturant would be named Cuban Foods Bakery and Restaurant. The restaurant opened with just six tables. Today there are more than a dozen tables and 52 chairs. When the restaurant opened it took a lot of work to convince the city of Phoenix that Cuban food was really good.

"People said a Cuban restaurant here? People said okay let me try it. It was kind of slow.
We had to stay here for many hours waiting for the people. At that time we didn't have money
for commericals. So we had to rely on the quality of the food and word of mouth. We would tell
customers tell everyone that you ate here. To me that's the best advertising that you can have. We make fresh pastries here. The food is made in more of a Caribbean style. We don't use a lot of spices or hot chili like Mexican cuisine. A lot of my customers are Mexican and they love the food. It's really good so once people try it out they really like it," said Cias-Hernandez.

You'll love what's on the menu! Side orders include Cuban classics like black beans and white rice, Papas fritas, Yuca con Mojo, Tostones and Moros Cristianos.

Appetizers that's you'll love include: Papas Rellenas, Croquetas de Jamon and Empanadas de Carne just to mention a few. The Cuban sandwich is always a favorite. Pan con Bistec will leave you satisfied. You'll love the Pollo a la Plancha is grilled chicken marinated in garlic and Lemon topped with grilled onions.

Flan

The bakery  has arguably the best flan in Arizona! They also have what's called Tociniollo del Cielo, that is a vanailla cake topped with egg flan. If that's not enough to satisfy your sweet tooth then you need to try the La Senorita-it's a flaky pastry filled with layers of creamy custard. There's so many amazing things on the menu we'll just let you check it out for
yourself. CLICK THIS LINK TO TRY THEIR MENU.

As for Manuel and Ana they continue to work to make their restaurant grow. He says when  you try Cuban food you're going to be a fan for life. "Once the people try it for the first time they love it. Because we do everything fresh. We try and do everything to bring customers in and make them happy," said Cias-Hernandez.

Customers are definitely happy you opened the only Cuban restaurant in Phoenix!

Cuban Foods Bakery and Restaurant can be found at 10649 N. 43rd Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85209
(43rd and Peoria)
Call 602-296-5759
(END OF PKG)

NW Food, Brew and Wine Episode 8!

Chef Ben Diaz is excited about being a part of the Latin Food Fest!

CHEF BEN DIAZ IS ONE OF THE AMAZING CHEFS PARTICIPATING IN THE LATIN FOOD FEST 2018

Feb 8, 2018,

By Mike Gonzalez
www.hispanicfoodnetwork.com

For Ben Diaz chasing his culinary dreams may have never happened if he wasn't chasing someone else. "It's actually a funny story. I wanted to be a pharmacist but I was young and dumb and I had a crush on this girl and she was going to culinary school and I thought I'll go too. Long story short, fast
forward 17 years and here I am," said Diaz.

In case you're wondering, that relationship didn't workout but fortunately for all of us the cooking career did. "Everyone wants to know if I ended up dating her but I didn't. But I'm so glad she got me to go to culinary school," said Diaz with a laugh.

Chef Ben graduated from the California School of Culinary Arts. He will be one of the amazing chefs participating in the Latin Food Fest  2018.



Diaz says the best part is meeting so many great food minds. "It's amazing to a part of such an amazing event. It's much more than just burritos and tacos. You have people from Venezuela, Colombia, Puerto Rico, Chile' and Paraguay. You have so much different talent out there. It's always great to see these amazing chefs and to see what they come up with," said Diaz.

                           Watch Ben make Chipotle Enchiladas with Cream of Chicken Soup

The Latin Food Fest is heading into its sixth year and looks better than ever in 2018. Chef Diaz has been a part of every single one and plans on always being a part of the festivities. "It's just an incredible event and I can't believe I've been a part of it for so many years. I hope we see a lot of people out there this year. It's a great way to learn from the best Latin chefs in the world," said Diaz.

Diaz is currently the Executive Chef at the Luxe City Center Hotel in downtown Los Angeles where he oversees culinary operations for the Nixo Patio Lounge and Stafford + Mathis restaurants. Diaz also runs his own consulting company called CBD Cuisine that helps restaurants perfect their menu and business models. "It's a non-stop environment. I'm constantly on the go." says Diaz.

Ben has also developed his own spice line called Epices de la Vie that includes gourmet spices and custom blend salts. "We've created an amazing blend that you need to check out," says Diaz.

Chef Diaz is a blend himself. His Mexican and Guatemalan heritage has had an incredible influence on the way he cooks. "I do a lot of different blends with spices, fried chilies-I use a lot of ingredients you don't see in more practical cuisine and I blend that with my classical French cuisine training. Those small influences can change the whole dish," says Diaz.

Chef Diaz says he had some advice for people who want to get into the culinary industry. " You can't be afraid to be different. Be a trend setter. Be something unique and someone you love," says Diaz.

One things for sure is you're going to love meeting Chef  Ben Diaz at this year's Latin Food Fest!

"

Jacob Szilasi always fighting no matter what the odds

Jacob Szilasi L with Trainer Jesse Mora R

After getting off to a 4-0 start, 25 year boxer Jacob Szilasi has hit a bit of a bump in the road. He's lost two tough fights in a row but that's not discouraging him one bit. "I've been through a lot to get here. I had 15 amatuer bouts so for me every time I step in the ring is a learning experience," said Szilasi.

                                               Watch story of Jacob Szilasi and his trainer. 

Szilasi who now stands at 4-2 knows a thing about beating the odds. He was diagnosed with Cancer in April 2013 but after a year of chemotherapy he was back in the ring bringing his amatuer career to an end. Szilasi was determined to become a pro once he had beat cancer. "That was the focus. Turning pro once I beat cancer. It gave me a new purpose and focus," said Szilasi.

Szilasi's traniner Jesse Mora has been working with Jacob for more than 5 years now. It was an instant bond when the pair met at Spokane Boxing and it's a relationship that continues to grow.
"I love Jacob and believe in him. These past two fights we've put him in the ring with some tough fighters. He's learning everyday. What you have to remember is he had a short amatuer career so he's learning as a pro. The thing about him is he works hard, loves the Lord and he does things the right way. I can't ask anything more of him, " said Mora.

Click Here To See Jacob's Record

Szilasi's manager Joe Diaz, who's a legendary figure in the sport of professional boxing says he's staying with Jacob because he believes in his character and his talent.
"Jacob is a fighter, not only in the ring but outside of it. Plus I don't have to worry about him not training. He's always working hard. He is still learning the fight game. Look he's had six fights in and everyone in the country is calling me about this guy when the see the tape on him. I know he's got a great future, "said Diaz.

As for Szilasi he knows everyday is a new challenge. Ultimatley winning will be the true measure of his career. But for all he's been through, he knows everytime he steps in the ring it's a W for him personally- no matter the outcome.
"I'm just proud of where I'm at this point in my life. I feel blessed that I get to step into the ring. I'm working hard everyday to become a champion, " said Szilasi.

Jacob SzilasiJacob Szilasi

Jacob Szilasi