Roselyn Sánchez Teams Up With Her Husband in the Sweetest New Hallmark Movie A Taste of Summer
Roselyn Sanchez and her husband, Eric Winter, both have hit shows on ABC—Grand Hotel and The Rookie, respectively. For the first time in their acting careers, the two costar in A Taste of Summer, premiering August 10 at 9 p.m. on Hallmark Channel.
Sanchez sat down with Parade.com to talk about the movie and working with her husband.
Is this your first Hallmark Channel movie?
Yes, this is my first Hallmark Channel movie. It was interesting to me because I like the fact that Hallmark movies are very positive. The messages are very clean. The movies are for the entire family, and it was the first time that we were going to be able to do a movie together. It was the first time we actually worked together in front of the camera. We are happy that we are going to be able to sit down with our daughter and show her a movie that we did together. It’s just beautiful.
Did you have an influence on the dishes Gabby makes for the Taste of Summer Festival?
It’s interesting because when I first got the script she wasn’t written Latina, so they had to change that. And there was no reference to Latina cuisine. So yes they added to it to make it more organic to me.
Caleb runs a sports bar while Gabby has a more upscale restaurant. Which would you prefer to eat at? Wings and beer or high-end tapas?
I think Gabby and Roselyn would both agree that we would enjoy high-end tapas.
Being an actress, had you ever worked in a restaurant before?
When I first moved to the United States, I was almost 22 years old. I remember leaving Puerto Rico, going to New York, and after eight months, I went through all my savings. I used to go to this restaurant called Patria by chef Douglas Rodriguez. I used to be customer. He basically created the nuevo Latino cuisine movement. And I used to love it. When I found myself broke, I didn’t want to go back to Puerto Rico – and I said I guess I’m going to have to get a regular job. I did work at Patria for maybe six or seven months as a host, and they were wonderful with me.
What is the one dish you’re known for or can cook really well?
Funny enough, I can make a really good guacamole. Even though I’m not Mexican, I make really fantastic guacamole.
What’s the best thing Eric has cooked for you?
Eric is really good at doing salmon. I love his salmon.
What is the best thing you’ve ever eaten?
It has to be Puerto Rican cuisine. There is this dish called Mofongo and I like it stuffed with octopus.
What is the worst thing you’ve ever eaten?
I was in Venezuela and I ate ancas de rana, basically frog legs and I didn’t like it.
Do you have a favorite dessert?
Panna Cotta
Who was your first celebrity crush?
I had two. Ralph Macchio and Jean-Claude Van Damme.
Who is your current celebrity crush?
My husband, Eric Winter.
You’re at crafty on set. What do you reach for?
I love Cheetos or Cheez-It—that was my go-to but I don’t do that anymore. So I barely go to crafty, and if I do, I just get some nuts.
What is your go to song to sing in the shower?
Menudo was a big boy band in Puerto Rico while I was growing up. So when I’m in the shower I love singing Menudo. And the song specifically is “Cuando Pasará” which means when is it going to happen? I've sung that song to my kids since they were born.
What is your favorite all time book?
Anything by Isabel Allende, a Chilean writer, I devour. I think she’s a phenomenal writer. And my favorite one would be Paula, dedicated to her daughter.
What book are you reading now?
I am reading the autobiography of Alejandro Sanz, who is a huge Spanish singer.
What was the last show you binge watched?
Dead to Me with Christina Applegate.
What is your spirit animal?
I don’t know. I would have to say a tiger.
A Taste of Summer premieres Saturday, August 10 at 9 p.m. on Hallmark Channel.
