Luis Fernandez of "Forsyth Fire Escape"

The Lo-Down Culture Cast

"Culture Cast" Host Traven Rice speaks with Luis Fernandez, a partner in the popular "Forsyth Fire Escape" (of the amazing scallion pancake burrito creation) which started in 2021 during Covid. Founder Isabel Lee created the "burrito" with inspiration from her Chinese and Thai roots and Luis's Dominican background. During the pandemic, they served burritos out of their apartment by lowering them in a bucket off of their fire escape.

The burritos were an instant hit and when they started to gain traction, their landlord served a cease and desist letter threatening a lawsuit by the end of the day. So they pivoted and partnered with their local bodega, Don Juan's on Forsyth Street, to serve burritos, which sold out every Sunday, on a preorder basis.

They also created other special events and pop ups. They have since opened a 6-month residency at Olly Olly market in Chelsea.

Luis is prepping for a new solo popup project, "Feitos," coming back to Don Juan’s Deli on the corner of Forsyth and Broome on Sunday, Sept. 8th. The premiere item on the menu will be a Dominican-style fried chicken sandwich that you can pre-order here.

He’s also an indie rap musician, makes paintings and has a clothing label. He's been featured in Grub Street, Eater, and Bloomberg's "50 Ones to Watch."