The disco is an important object in my family. We use it to cook during gatherings and bring people together through food. More than a cooking tool, it symbolizes immigration and mobility. Like a wok, the disco is a portable, disc-shaped pan, heated over an open flame (usually propane) where ingredients are added and mixed in layers.
Discos come in many sizes and styles, often customized to fit the cook’s preferences and need for portability. In my family, it’s a staple at celebrations, much like a grill at a cookout, but easier to transport. When you bring out a disco, you’re making a “discada” which is the name for both the cooking process and the dish.
A typical discada includes beef, chorizo, potatoes, jalapeños, bacon, peppers, and even sliced hot dogs. But the ingredients vary depending on what’s available or the cook’s creativity. I’ve used the disco to make steaks, tortillas, fried fish, and flautas. We’ve made discadas for birthdays, Easter, camping trips, and other family events.
There isn’t one particular disco I identify with, since I own several. It’s more the tradition of using it that holds meaning. The disco reminds me of my family’s journey from Northern Mexico to the American Southwest. It reflects our culture, adaptability, and how we’ve carried our roots with us. cooking, sharing, and building community wherever we go.

– Adrian Jurado

Relationship:  Im/migrant Im/migrant