How Chef and Reality TV Star Mia Castro Brings Her Puerto Rican Heritage to Her Cooking

Once in a while you’ll come across women who are so unapologetically themselves, you can’t help but feel inspired by them. It doesn’t hurt if they’re also extremely successful and not only making strides to reach the top of their craft in a male-dominated industry, but do it with a little Latina flair. I’m talking about chef Mia Castro.

If her name sounds familiar it’s because she competed in season 13 of Food Network’s Chopped when she was only 23 years old. She made it to the final round where she was defeated by Royden Ellamar, executive chef of Sensi (now Harvest) at the Bellagio in Las Vegas. Now 28, she recently competed on the 18th season of Fox TV’s hit show Hell’s Kitchen, hosted by world-renowned chef Gordon Ramsay. As one of the youngest contestants, she again earned a spot in the final, only to be defeated by chef Ariel Contreras-Fox. But that hasn’t stopped Mia, who now works now full time as a private chef in NYC.

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POPSUGAR caught up with this hardworking Puerto Rican, who has continued inspiring us as she makes strides and positions herself as one of the best chefs in the country.

POPSUGAR: When did you know you wanted to be a chef?

Mia Castro: About a year before high school graduation. I was forced to decide what field I wanted to specialize in. Cooking had always been a passion and hobby of mine, so it was only fitting to pursue culinary school.

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PS: What would you say is your style? What do you enjoy cooking the most?

MC: When it comes to food, my philosophy is “less is more.” I like to cook with fresh ingredients, and allow those to speak for themselves and shine on their own, only applying techniques that will enhance them.

Risotto is one of my favorite things to cook and I’ve gotten to practice and perfect my technique through the years. It is a great canvas to showcase seasonal ingredients.

PS: How has your background influenced your cooking style?

MC: I grew up cooking with ingredients that were hand-picked by my grandparents from their yard and now focus my cooking on highlighting fresh, wholesome products. I think it’s safe to say my background is what propelled my entire career.

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PS: What are your favorite foods to eat?

MC: Fresh, handmade pasta and rice. All the carbs, really. And ice cream, duh!

PS: What’s your go-to dish?

MC: White rice with a runny, over-easy egg to mix in. It was my mom’s go-to dish when she was tired from work, so I think it’s comforting because it reminds me of her. And now, as a busy adult, I understand why it was hers and I appreciate it even more.

PS: Do you play music when you cook? If so, what’s on your playlist?

MC: I love music when I cook, and also wine! What I listen to depends on my mood. Saturday and Sunday mornings are the days when I’m more likely to get in the kitchen and elaborate as a hobby. If I do, I’m probably in a chill, ready-to-relax-and-unwind kind of mood. In these instances, I love Latin reggae bands like Cultura Profética, and also Latin pop and bolero singers such as Vicente Garcia, Carla Morrison, and Natalia Lafourcade. If I’m feeling energized and find myself moving to the music, I’ll play some salsa by El Gran Combo, Rubén Blades, and Marc Anthony, or some merengue by Juan Luis Guerra.

Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Kitchens