If you could open a taco truck tomorrow, what would you serve? What biscuit deserves the crown? And what’s the ultimate hangover cure? We asked the questions and Jorge has got the answers…

Imagine you’ve just been handed the keys to your very own food truck – what’s it called, and what deliciousness are you serving up? ⁠
It would be called El Pendejo’s Tacos (if you don’t speak Spanish google it!) We’d be serving slow-cooked carnitas tacos with proper crispy edges, fresh salsa, lime, coriander… and ice-cold Modelo on the side. Just really, really good tacos.

What’s your wildest, most chaotic food combo that somehow works… and would probably make Gordon Ramsay gasp?
My ultimate sandwich: mayo mixed with sriracha, avocado, feta and cheddar (yes, two cheeses), plus grilled artichokes. Interesting combo

We all have them – which dish secretly makes you side-eye other people ordering it?
It’s not the dish, it’s the drama. The other day at a restaurant I saw people order two pizzas, wait for them to arrive, then tell the waiter, “Oh… we wanted vegan pizzas.” That’s a valid side eye situation

You’ve woken up with a hangover from the depths of hell – what magical meal or snack brings you back to life?
Dominican-style white rice with thick vegetable soup and beans. The rice absorbs everything, the broth rehydrates you, and the beans bring you back to earth.

On your travels beyond the UK, what’s the meal you can’t stop thinking about? The one that made you go “wow, this is unforgettable”?
I’m gonna have to stay in the UK and say a dessert that Rich cooked for me. It was a poached pear with chilli foam and a hazelnut tuile. I tried recreating it at home because I couldn’t stop thinking about it. No surprise Rich smashed it again

Back on home turf, what’s a memorable meal you’ve had in the UK? Bonus points if you tell us the restaurant and the dish – we’re secretly mapping out the ultimate foodie trail!
I’m going to say Rich’s Butternut Squash Risotto right here at The Avenue! Except he made it with orzo instead of rice. Sounds like these late night lock ins with Rich are a winner 

What is the best biscuit and don’t hold back, we want the full justification!
Walkers Shortbread OK, you kind of held back there though

If you could only eat one type of cuisine for the rest of your life, what would it be, and why would it never get boring?
Mexican because it’s endlessly versatile. One day it’s tacos, the next it’s slow braises, fresh ceviche-style dishes, grilled meats, rich moles, chipotle sauces, street food, fine dining, fusion… the flavour profiles are huge. Italian is amazing, but you kind of know you’re either gonna get pasta, pizza or risotto but Mexican? You can reinvent it forever. (Don’t tell my wife I said that!)

⁠What’s the one item or condiment you reach for most in your kitchen – the unsung hero of all your cooking?
Chipotle flakes and my good knives (Not technically a condiment, but they change everything)

⁠Hard-hitting foodie question: Which supermarket is your ultimate favourite and what’s the one thing you absolutely can’t leave without?
M&S. The quality is just consistent, great chocolate, great nuts, fresh salads, I love it!

From El Pendejo’s Tacos to Walkers Shortbread, it’s safe to say this is someone who knows exactly what they like and isn’t afraid to say it. Just don’t forget to get your order right if you don’t want any side eyeing from Jorge …