We all know that women everywhere are all #bosschicas regardless of the industry they may work in. They can kill it in any arena and are always sure to bring the heat — especially when they take up a chefs coat. The following seven Latinas are women that everyone should not only know, but whose culinary prowess should be highly regarded. From all of their creative visions to their unique ways of honoring the traditions of their ancestors, these women are true reinas in their own right and have all showed up and taken a seat at the table.
© @cheflorenaChef Lorena Garcia
Chef Lorena is the creative mind behind CHICA in Las Vegas and Miami. This Venezuelan-born Latina was the first female-Latin chef to be featured on the Las Vegas strip (so you know she’s a big deal). Lorena has been a long time champion of healthy meals and created Big Chef, Little Chef to help combat obesity.
© GettyImagesChef Daniela Soto-Innes
Chef Daniela is a powerhouse all on her own. As the mentee of world-renowned Chef Enrique Olvera, she has gone on to captian both Cosme and Atla in New York City. But it doesn’t stop there for the Mexcican-native (she moved to the US when she was 12), she is on her way to open two additional restaurants with chef Enrique — totaling in four restaurants before the age of 30.
© @chefmichyChef Michelle Bernstein
As the partner and chef of Café La Trova and MBC Catering, chef Michelle is a highly decorated South Florida chef that is as passionate as she is disciplined. As a past James Beard Award winner, Michelle has proven that you can cook what you love while also highlighting the communities that have helped you along the way.
© @mitocayaChef Diana Davila
This Chicago Latina is the executive chef and owner of Mi Tocaya Antojeria and cooks with all the passion that her Mexican heritage has instilled in her. Mi Tocaya Antojeria is her first restaurant and the place where she pours her heart, soul and heritage into every dish.
© @chefadrianneChef Adrianne Calvo
This Cuban-American Latina always cooks with lots of heart and ‘maximum flavor.’ Her restaurant Chef Adrianne’s Vineyard Restaurant and Wine Bar was named 100 Most Romantic Restaurants in the Country by Yelp. It’s safe to say that you will never be disappointed with anything she’s severing up.
© Laura VargasChef Laura Vargas
Chef Laura works as the sole female sous chef (let that sink in y’all) at China Poblano by famed chef and extraordinary human José Andrés . Through many career obstacles, including being turned down for cooking roles because she is a female, the passionate chef has stuck to her convictions of always “working two times as hard to stand out above the rest.”
