Compiled with the help of artificial intelligence, based on Spanish-language information. Source below the article.
A passion for Canarian food
Jonay Hernández and Joana Pérez are the couple behind Guachinches Modernos de Tenerife, and for eight years they have been turning their gastronomic getaways into content for social media. What began as a Facebook group recommending places to eat has evolved into a community of more than 123,000 users, which they juggle alongside their social media management business. “We love eating, it’s our passion,” admits the couple, who now not only travel across the Islands in search of stories, flavours and family-run businesses, but have also taken the leap into creating their own avocado mojo sauce.
From Facebook group to online community
This all started eight years ago with a Facebook group. We noticed that people were constantly asking where to eat and often no one would reply. So we came up with the idea of creating a recommendation group where the whole community could contribute. At first, our role was to moderate and keep the group active. Then we evolved with social media and, after the pandemic, we started making videos, which were initially set to music and we didn’t even appear in them. Gradually we began to show our faces and learnt how the platforms and formats worked.
Do you make a living from this? No, although it would be wonderful. We have a small social media management company for various businesses. Guachinches Modernos is a separate story. Around 95% of our videos are done on a voluntary basis and we pay for the account ourselves.
Discovering the stories behind the food
We really enjoy eating. It’s our passion. But we also love learning about the stories behind the places we visit. How they make things, who is behind the business, whether it’s a family-run establishment, whether it’s been going for two or three generations… We love discovering the different ways of doing things we have in the Canary Islands. For example, goat meat can be prepared in two completely different ways on two different islands. We’re interested in uncovering those things and getting people to know about them too.
Concern for the traditional guachinche
Is there always something new to discover? Constantly. Some businesses close, others open, some change management or concept. As long as we love eating, there will always be something to talk about. What does worry us is that the traditional guachinche is disappearing. When we started, we estimated there were around 25 authentic guachinches. Now we believe only about 15 remain.
Have you ever thought about changing the name? People often suggest it, but Guachinches Modernos de Tenerife is our origin and we didn’t want to lose that. Besides, we have followers from many countries. We’re surprised by how many people from Latin America follow us because they have family here or because they once visited the Canary Islands, and even though they don’t come to the Islands, they say they love watching us.
Gastronomy as a way to know a place
Do you see yourselves as ambassadors for the Canary Islands? Yes. We believe gastronomy is one of the best ways to get to know a place. When someone travels, they don’t just want to see landscapes; they also want to eat, discover local products and learn how people live.
Has your approach changed over the years? Yes, we’re more professional now. Previously we improvised, but now we feel a responsibility to do things properly. People ask us whether a place has gluten-free options, whether it’s accessible or has an adapted toilet for people with reduced mobility. So we try to pay attention to those details too, so that our experience is positive. Although we know that what works for us won’t appeal to everyone. We focus on the food, the service or the location, but there are places where the food hasn’t seemed spectacular to us, yet the service, the attention or the atmosphere make the experience brilliant.
Going viral and launching avocado mojo
What has been your most viral moment? About two years ago we did a collaboration with Varguita Cheesecake featuring a dog sausage cake and it went viral. And recently we visited the Guachinerfe mojo factory and came up with the idea for an avocado mojo. It’s now available to buy in supermarkets across the Canary Islands. We’ve even been sent photos from the Pyrenees and Holland.
What’s happening in the Canaries – straight to your phone
News, weather alerts and practical updates – direct from the islands, in English. We live here and know what’s going on – before the international media catch up. Everything lands on our WhatsApp channel – no middlemen, no algorithm. Curated for families, expats and travelers.
Garachico extends El Caletón lifeguard cover into winter
Owners fight back over Canary Islands tourist law registries
Adeje avenue is most expensive street in the Canaries
Canary Islands’ most expensive street revealed
Husband who saved wife dies months later
Canary Islands finance chief accused of hiding business links
Canary Islands settle €1bn tourism moratorium dispute
Rent takes 39% of income in Spain as housing crisis deepens
Jason Statham’s surprising family ties to the Canary Islands
