On Zarela’s Mind
Tributes, remembrances, family stories, journeys, and more
My Mother, Aida Gabilondo
Today would have been my mother’s 100th birthday.
She was an exceptional woman and, every year, I like to share a little bit from a book I’ve been working on about the lessons I learned from different people that got me to this point in my life. I would absolutely do it differently today but the message would be the same.
Zarela Restaurant closes,a new life begins
Should I or should I not? My mind knew that I had to, my heart said no, no. For the last year, I slowly came to the realization that I needed to close my restaurant Zarela after 23 years. During those years, challenges were met head on and conquered, dreams were...
A most extraordinary night at Zarela
One couple drove down from Philadelphia to have one last margarita at my restaurant Zarela. She had even written a eulogy that she recorded and was so moving that I hope IEulogy for Zarela restaurant can attach it so you can hear it too. Back were the beautiful girls...
Paul Prudhomme- Mentor, friend celebrated
I just returned from New Orleans where I'd flown to attend Chef Paul Prudhomme's 70th birthday party as a surprise guest. I hardly got to talk to or see him because in true- Paul fashion, the party included all his employees who came to honor this generous man...
Victor Nava, Pastelero
Every time I come back from Mexico City and think about the marvelous meals I've had over the years at the home of my dear friend Victor Nava, I find that I am both elated and equally frustrated. Elated becausde the food is so good and frustrated because if anyone...
Why I love to teach
One of the most frustrating things to me is the fact that there are n0 inexpensive venues where I could give cooking classes without having to charge an arm and a leg. I get so many requests for cooking lessons and have no where to give them where it will be worth my...
Letter to Mom
One year my son, Aaron Sanchez, chef-owner of Paladar and Centrico restaurants in New York and Food Network star of Chefs vs City, Chopped and The Best thing I Ever Ate, put up a letter on his website that I will share with you because, though he's shared...
The many lives of Zarela Martínez
Culinary legend Zarela Martínez introduced finely tuned, highly researched regional Mexican cuisine to a national stage, and has continued to blaze trails for more than three decades.