Leading a kitchen, even from the line

To hear Chef Maria tell it, she entered the profession almost by accident. As a waitress at a Mexican American restaurant, she was captivated by how the kitchen operated. Building on her own training by her grandmother’s side, she willed herself into the kitchen, blazing a path as a pioneer of Sonoran cuisine. Born and raised in Tucson, Arizona, Maria draws inspiration from her Mexican heritage and the rich culinary traditions of northern Mexico. She is the owner and head chef of Boca Tacos y Tequila, a very popular Tucson restaurant renowned for its inventive tacos, bold salsas and tequila selection.

Chef Maria earned national recognition as a finalist on Season 18 of “Top Chef,” where her passion for Mexican flavors and her creative techniques impressed judges and viewers alike.

Beyond the kitchen, Chef Maria is an advocate for local farmers and sustainable practices, ensuring that her food not only tastes good but also supports the community. She’s also deeply committed to her staff and takes immense pride in lifting the community through the power of food.

Follow Chef Maria on Instagram @chefmariamazon
See Chef Maria in the McCain Foods EPIC Throwdown