Profile: Zarela Martinez for White House Chef

By JULIETTE ROSSANT Born in Agua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico, and raised on a cattle ranch in Chihuahua, Zarela Martinez is chef-owner of Zarela in New York City. What is Zarela's earliest memory of food - what James Beard called "Taste Memory"? "The smell and taste of tortillas on the woodburning stove." Who were her cooking mentors? "My mother and Paul Prudhomme." Does she like cooking for large numbers of people? "I love to entertain and make all the food myself which is a Mexican tradition to honor your guests." Does Zarela like catering? "I started as a caterer in 1976 and catering is still a large part of my business. I enjoy it because it allows me to do different dishes than what we do at the restaurant. I also love to creatre the fiesta feeling." How many restaurants does she cook or consult for right now? "Just mine, but I consult for a lot of companies on the Hispanic market." Where can people catch Zarela in the Media these days? "I have a PBS series and have done a pilot with my son Aaron Sanchez for another show." Were the White House to give her the nod, what would be the first thing she would say? "I'm very honored but cannot accept." Why does Zarela think this job is important? "You get to influence a lot of people." What are her hobbies? "I love to entertain and listen to music." Where does she like to travel? "I like to explore different parts of Mexico and discover the local culture." Favorite snack? "Roasted almonds." Favorite airplane picnic? "Big Mexican torta (sandwich) with roast pork, chipotle chiles, avocados, onions and lettuce." Favorite cookbook? "Olive Oil by Peggy Knickerbocker and Laurie Smith. I've made every recipe." Other career, if not a chef? "I would choose exactly the same career. I LOVE IT and am very fulfilled." Reminder: less than 24 hours to "Vote for White House Woman Chef" -- vote now! Previous Profiles for White House Woman Chef: Profile: Melissa Perello for White House Chef Profile: Alice Waters for White House Chef Profile: Jody Adams for White House Chef Profile: Tamara Murphy for White House Chef Profile: Allison Vines-Rushing for White House Chef Profile: Lucia Watson for White House Chef Profile: Barbara Lynch for White House Chef Profile: Suzanne Goin for White House Chef Profile: Louise Lamensdorf for White House Chef Profile: Anita Jaisinghani for White House Chef Profile: Julie Francis for White House Chef Profile: Mary Sue Milliken & Susan Feniger for White House Chef Profile: Traci Des Jardins for White House Chef Profile: Anita Lo for White House Chef Profile: Sara Moulton for White House Chef Profile: Nora Pouillon for White House Chef Profile: Scooter Kanfer for White House Chef Profile: Cat Cora for White House Chef Profile: Diane Forley for White House Chef Previous articles: Media (2) on Vote for White House Woman Chef Gabby Hayes: White House Chef? Chef John Bubala Votes Sarah Stegner Paula Deen & Friends Sante Magazine Recognizes Jody Adams Shortlisting White House Chefs? Times-Picayune: Spicer for President(ial chef) NAMC Newswire: A Woman in the White House Before 2008? Ventura, CA, Gets Into White House Chef Search Dallas-Ft. Worth Notes Chef Louise's White House Nomination Roland Mesnier's Dessert University Congratulations: James Beard Awards Nominees Ojai Valley News: Diane Forley for White House Chef Denver Supports Jennifer Jasinski for White House Chef James Beard Awards: Dearth of Top Women Chefs? Today Show Emulates Iron Chef America Wireless Flash: White House Woman Chef Fortune Smiles on superchefblog's White House Chef Poll Cat Cora Wins on Iron Chef America Anita Lo Defeats Mario Batali on Iron Chef America Atlantic Monthly: White House Chefs Cat Cora, Anita Lo: Sexing Up Iron Chef America Joe Guzzardi: If Not Governor, White House Chef Reminder 1: Vote for White House Woman Chef Vote For White House Woman Chef Superchefblog: Catalyst for White House Woman Chef? --> back to superchefblog