Chef Maria Mazon talks about Michelada Mondays, food pairings and more, interview

Top Chef fans have fallen in love with Chef Maria Mazon. While she may have started out as a chef who loved her chilies and always offered a hearty plate, the reality is that Chef Maria quickly became a fan favorite. Although she did not walk away with the title Top Chef, she has proven that her soulful cuisine is as nourishing as it is delicious.

Recently, Chef Maria teamed up with Estrella Jalisco and Tastemade to celebrate Michelada Mondays. This summer celebration of the favorite Mexican drink is the perfect time to experience or rediscover that refreshing sip.

While Chef Maria might subscribe to the sentiment, “when life gives you lemons, make a michelada”, this concept is just the first sip to enjoying this classic drink. Whether it’s time to experience a new flavor or to discover a connection you never knew existed, this glass is an invitation to travel the world through flavor.

Recently, FoodSided spoke to Maria Mazon about their partnership with Estrella Jalisco, Tastemade and Michelada Mondays.

As more and more people have become familiar with the classic Michelada, some people are just discovering this drink. Chef Maria said: “Micheladas are a staple of Mexican culture and there are so many different and creative ways to dress the look and flavor for your unique taste.”

Considered a “drink for everyone”, Chef Maria has a preference for her drink. She said: “For me, I love to taste beer and citrus in my michelada and that’s why Estrella Jalisco’s latest classic Michelada is right on time. They do this by mixing a Mexican style lager with Clamato and lime juice and it brings back memories of summer and time spent with family and friends. That’s what makes micheladas so delicious: a refreshing balance of sweet, salty and spicy that really hits the mark.

Given all the flavor notes of a Michelada, food and wine pairings can take all kinds of forms. While they are “usually associated with seafood or even as a popular breakfast or brunch drink,” this is not the only option.

Chef Maria said: “I take inspiration from pairing micheladas with things people wouldn’t expect, like pasta or hot dishes. I am a big grill at home. As part of my “Michelada Mondays” partnership with Estrella Jalisco and Tastemade, I actually created two michelada-inspired recipes that people can recreate at home, including a Sonora hot dog with Thai salsa and a Mediterranean torta. with hummus and goat cheese on a traditional dish Mexican bolillo roll. These dishes taste amazing alongside a savory michelada.

By looking at these food and wine pairings, many home cooks can be inspired to think outside the box. While Chef Maria considered the bold flavors, the drink can embrace its subtle qualities as well. All in all, it’s a drink that invites everyone to take a sip and explore the many possibilities.

How Food and Culture Influence Maria Mazon

While fans of food television have gotten a glimpse of her approach to cooking, the celebrity chef feels a deep connection to her culture. In some ways, Chef Maria peels the layers of who she’s into in every dish she serves.

Chef Maria said: “As a Mexican chef, I believe in the authenticity of myself and my heritage. Much of my cooking style is inspired by the simplicity of cuts of meat, a major feat in northern Mexico where cattle are a part of life. Showcasing the diversity of Mexican cuisine has been at the center of my cooking and my intention is to translate this passion into all of my recipes. As a Sonorense, I try to tie this deep and intimate connection to my heritage in everything I do in my cooking style.

While this approach opens the door to what’s possible, Chef Maria is always impatient. Even if foodies are looking for a little culinary adventure, it is more than an unknown ingredient or an unknown flavor.

Speaking on her culinary creativity, Chef Maria said, “I make a conscious effort to incorporate dishes that are not as represented as other Mexican states, such as Jalisco, Puebla and Yucatan. The flavors of these regions offer many creative inspirations, which give my guests the surprise and pleasure they crave when they come to eat my food. One recipe that I think your readers will enjoy is the Mediterranean torta I created for the “Michelada Mondays” campaign with Estrella Jalisco and Tastemade. I loved taking classic Mexican street food (torta) and mixing it with creamy Mediterranean goat cheese. Combined with the Michelada, the whole thing is salty, lemony and refreshing… I hope it reminds you of the ocean breezes.

Listening to Chef Maria describe her food, the reality is that there is emotion and passion in this bite. As everyone has seen on Top Chef, his food is more than just a meal on the plate. From that gigantic bowl of stew to the overflowing plate of tacos, Top Chef has offered an open door to give people a glimpse of what she is capable of.

Appreciating the opportunity offered by Top Chef, Chef Maria said it touched her in many ways. “It was a great experience, which I would do over and over again. The show was my culinary school, after all. And as a good student, I already apply the techniques of my fellow chefs and the valuable feedback from the judges. in my own kitchen, I am eternally grateful.

More importantly, her time on the show proved that Mexican cuisine is diverse and rich in culture. As Chef Maria explained, “Top Chef was the perfect opportunity to showcase the strong cultural ties I have with Mexican cuisine. My goal has always been to elevate Mexican cuisine and every dish I have made on the show is a tribute to that mission. The show gave me the platform to showcase the beauty of Mexican culture on a dish and show how creative you can be with the ingredients. Now, I want to continue to showcase this rich beauty of cooking by collaborating with new types of partners, as I have with Estrella Jalisco and Tastemade, and continue to share Mexican dishes with the world.

And, of course, you had to ask. What’s Chef Maria’s secret to making the best taco?

Chef Maria revealed: “For me, a taco has to be made from good products. It can be as easy as egg and cheese, or more topped with layered roasted salsas. From chicken to lengua, the best products make the best tacos. “

Whether you’re enjoying the finest taco, a Monday Michelada dish, or some other culinary creation, Maria Mazon is ready to welcome you on the culinary adventure with a refreshing Estrella Jalisco Michelada.

How do you like a Michelada? Are you ready to try Maria Mazon’s recipes?