Zarela Martinez
Presented by: Del Valle Elementary Latinitas Club
Zarela Martinez was born on October 17, 1947 in Agua Prieta, Sonora. She was raised in Sonora, Mexico and under the influence of her mother she learned to cook. Zarela moved to the El Paso, Texas in the late 1970s and used her skill and passion in cooking Mexican cuisine to earn a living. In 1991, Zarela opened her landmark Zarela Restaurant in Manhattan that continues in business. Since then, she has expanded her role beyond the kitchen by authoring cookbooks and making various television and radio appearances. Zarela's main motivation is to spread knowledge of her culture tot he public. Zarela has won many awards for her contribution to the culinary world and her culture, including the Orgullo Award from the Coalition for Hispanic Family Services. Zarela's legacy continues through her son, Aaron Sanchez, a famous Food Network chef.
Education Background
Zarela was went graduated high school in the class of 1966. She attended both the Dominican High School, a private high school in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin and Loretto Academy High School. She received a college diploma in Mass Communications from Instituto Tecnologico y de Estudios Superiores de Occidente, AC in the Tlaquepaque, Jalisco, Mexico. Zarela graduated from ITESO in the class of 1971.
Career
Zarela began her career as a cook as a way to make a living for herself in a new country the United States of America. She was discovered as a chef in New Orleans while taking a cooking class. Her recipes then began to be published by famous newspapers, like The New York Times. Her reputation as a "Mexican Master Chef" grew widespread and was even asked to create a menu for Queen Elizabeth II. She opened her famous Zarela Resturant in 1997 that continues in business. Zarela's offers catering and Mexican cooking lessons.
Zarela also became and author of three books: Food from My Heart, The Food and Life of Oaxaca and Zarela's Veracruz. She has won much praise for these books and even created a TV spin-off based on Zarela's Veracruz.
Zarela also became and author of three books: Food from My Heart, The Food and Life of Oaxaca and Zarela's Veracruz. She has won much praise for these books and even created a TV spin-off based on Zarela's Veracruz.
