Chef Hugo Ortega of “Hugo’s” in Houston has been touting the benefits of bugs to people and planet because as he says: “I believe in it.” Ortega is passionate about sharing the traditional foods and culture of his native Mexico with diners,especially edible insects.

The Mexico native and popular Houston chef is making Tacos de Chapulines or grasshopper tacos and ant mole. “It is part of our daily life, it is part of our culture,” Ortega said. The James Beard Award-winner has been serving edible insects at his restaurants for over 15 years.

This video tells that fascinating story of Hugo and how he came to this country with nothing and now owns 4 of the top restaurants in Houston.

Click here to read the article “UH Moment: Edible Insects” by Gregory Ortiz for Houston Public Media.