What: Zarela Martínez Presents A Culinary Life
When: 5 p.m. Monday, March 24
Where: UTEP Union Cinema, Union Building East, First Floor
Chef, cookbook author and food television host Zarela Martínez will talk about the relationship between Mexican culture and food during a special appearance at The University of Texas at El Paso.
The event, which is is free and open to the public, also will feature a cooking demonstration, food tasting and book signing.
Born in Agua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico, Martínez began her successful culinary career as a caterer in El Paso. She eventually moved to the East Coast and is credited with bringing sophisticated regional Mexican cuisine to New York City. In 1987, she opened Zarela, one of New York City’s first authentic Mexican restaurants, which closed in 2011.
“Zarela’s experience in building her brand through cooking is a story worthy of telling,” said Corey M. Bailey, director of the Student Engagement and Leadership Center at UTEP. “She is inspiring, determined and has overcome great odds to achieve success few Hispanic women have attained. Guests will hear tips on how to become successful and advice on how to make a name for themselves in the professional world.”
Martínez was the host of a 13-part PBS cooking series called, ¡Zarela! La Cocina Veracruzana. She also is the author of bestselling cookbooks including Food from my Heart (1992), The Food and Life of Oaxaca (1997), and Zarela’s Veracruz (2001). In 2013, her research papers and materials were acquired by the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study at Harvard University for the Schlesinger Library, a remarkable feat achieved by few Hispanic women.
Martínez’s son is Aarón Sánchez, an El Paso native and successful restaurateur and chef who appears on the Food Network shows Heat Seekers and Chopped.
For more information, call 915-747-5670 or 915-747-5711 or visit http://sa.utep.edu/blog/zarela-martinez-a-culinary-life.