Here in San Diego, locals love to boast about the Mexican food. And one Food Network star, who lives in Chula Vista and grew up in nearby Tijuana, took some time to talk to me this week about the local cuisine, her favorite ingredient to cook with (hint: I’ve used it many times) and much, much more.

Chef Marcela Valladolid, whom you may know from Food Network’s “Mexican Made Easy,” recently launched an exclusive new line of foods at Safeway stores that makes it easy for home cooks to bring home a real taste of Mexico. Check out what the native San Diegan is offering up in the interview below and if you live locally, check out her favorite place to eat in town!

Happy Friday, all! (Who’s having Mexican this weekend??)