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...

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...

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

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...