News Summary
Asha Starks has launched Hot Grease, a unique fish fry pop-up in Orange County, focusing on fried fish and honoring Black culinary traditions. Starks offers a signature fried snapper dish and donates a portion of sales to community causes. Hot Grease embodies the spirit of communal gatherings and supports local initiatives, making it a significant culinary addition to the area.
Orange County is now home to a unique fish fry pop-up called Hot Grease, launched by local entrepreneur Asha Starks. Specializing in fried fish that embraces historical Black culinary traditions, Hot Grease aims to deliver authentic soul food to an area known for its small Black population in Southern California.
Starks has carved out a niche with her signature dish: fried snapper, which is meticulously marinated in buttermilk and dipped in a special cornmeal seasoning blend. She notes that this specific spice mix enhances the frying process, resulting in a deeper golden color that appeals to customers. The menu also offers a choice between thin or thick fries, served alongside a slice of lemon, hot sauce, and a housemade tartar sauce packed with dill.
Without any formal culinary training, Starks draws on a lifelong passion for home cooking inspired by her childhood memories of watching the Food Network. The concept for Hot Grease originated after Starks had a disappointing experience with fish and chips at a local restaurant, compelling her to create her own fish fry after encouragement from her brother, who recognized her culinary talents.
Hot Grease not only serves delicious food but also incorporates a social mission into its operations. A portion of sales, specifically 3%, is directed towards a reproductive justice mutual aid fund known as The Potlikker Line. The fund aims to provide financial assistance and community support for local initiatives, reflecting Starks’s commitment to uplifting the community. The term “pot liquor,” rooted in Southern Black food traditions, refers to the nutrient-rich water left over after boiling greens, an important aspect of the cuisine’s cultural significance.
A Personal Journey
Asha Starks is not just a culinary entrepreneur; she has a personal story interwoven with her passion for cooking. Growing up in Anaheim, California, Starks faced challenges with her identity as a Black individual in a predominantly white area. Her fond memories of summer fish fries in Georgia alongside family strengthened her connections to these traditions.
After completing her high school education, Starks moved to Miami for college and later pursued graduate studies in Atlanta. These experiences allowed her to immerse herself in a vibrant Black cultural environment, which contrasted sharply with her upbringing in Orange County. Following an 11-year stay in the South, she returned to her roots in Orange County to be closer to family while striving to provide for her children post-divorce.
A Community Gathering
In Black culture, fish fries are more than just meals; they serve as community gatherings that often raise funds for local causes. Starks’s approach with Hot Grease reflects this communal spirit, as she emphasizes the importance of supporting local initiatives through her business model. Each plate sold contributes not only to family dinners but also to broader community funding initiatives.
The pop-up operates at various locations throughout Orange County and Los Angeles, making it accessible to a wide audience seeking authentic Black soul food. Customers can stay updated on Hot Grease’s pop-up locations via Starks’s Instagram account, where she shares details about upcoming services and events.
With Hot Grease, Asha Starks has not only brought southern flavors to Orange County but has also created a meaningful connection between her culinary offerings and cultural heritage. Her commitment to providing exceptional dishes while supporting community needs positions her business as a beacon of cultural pride and culinary excellence in the region.
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Additional Resources
- LAist: Hot Grease OC Fish Fry Pop-Up
- Wikipedia: Soul Food
- LAist: California’s First Ever Public Catastrophe Model
- Google Search: Black Culture
- LAist: CBS Ending The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
- Google Scholar: Public Pop-Up Restaurants
- LAist: Wildflower Blooms in SoCal State Parks
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Culinary Arts
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
The Huntington Beach Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntington Beach, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Huntington Beach Surf City USA Marathon, the U.S. Open of Surfing, Fourth of July celebrations at the Huntington Beach Pier, and community festivals at Huntington Beach Central Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Huntington Beach, plus leading businesses in retail, hospitality, and outdoor recreation that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
