The Westside Union Experience

Pedro Jesús Porras González is a passionate and seasoned Spanish chef whose culinary journey spans some of Europe’s most prestigious kitchens, including Michelin-starred establishments like El Señor Martín and Corral de la Morería in Madrid, as well as acclaimed restaurants in London, Copenhagen, and Ibiza. 

Driven by a desire to expand his perspective beyond classical technique, Pedro embarked on a transformative, once-in-a-lifetime journey across Latin America—traveling through Patagonia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, and extensively across Mexico. His goal was not only to discover regional ingredients and cooking methods but to experience firsthand how Indigenous culinary traditions have evolved and interwoven with centuries of colonial influence. 

From the smoky underground cooking pits of the Mapuche in southern Chile to the maize- and chile-based complexity of Mexican moles rooted in pre-Hispanic times, Pedro absorbed how colonial imports—like pork, beef, and dairy—merged with native practices to create entirely unique, layered cuisines. This deep cultural and gastronomic immersion reshaped his culinary philosophy, blending his technical mastery with a profound respect for ancestral knowledge, biodiversity, and the resilience of food as a cultural expression. 

Pedro brings this global and grounded vision to every dish, celebrating simplicity, storytelling, and the power of food to connect people across borders and generations.

Colm Jenkins is an Atlanta-based artist and educator originally from Washington, D.C. He studied at UMD and GSU, earning a B.A. in Art and an M.A.T. in Art Education. Trained in traditional media such as oil painting, ceramics, and charcoal, his practice has grown to include digital tools and new media.

His work often connects with communities, using collaboration to make art more accessible and shared. Through murals, workshops, and participatory projects, he explores how art can create dialogue and a sense of belonging.

Raised by his immigrant mother in a close-knit, multicultural community, Colm—whose name means ‘dove’ in Gaelic—grew up with four brothers. Surrounded by resilience and shared stories of strength, his upbringing continues to shape his art and teaching, emphasizing peace, connection, and care.