Meet the Chef: Maribel Moreno
This week I had the distinct pleasure of sitting down with Maribel Moreno, Kitchen Manager at Sunny Street Café on Sawmill Road. Beloved for her tacos al pastor and the delicious traditional Mexican dishes she makes for her kitchen staff before lunch rush, she really, actually, means it when she says “I love my work.”
In charge of food prep, supervising the staff, and quality control, Maribel makes sure every dish that leaves the kitchen is the best that it can be. For 8 years Maribel has expertly guided the kitchen, always smiling, striving towards perfection, and exploring her passion for cooking.
Meet the Chef: Maribel Moreno
Who is your biggest culinary inspiration?
- My mother was an amazing cook, and I always try to imitate her. She somehow always created the best flavors in the world, flavors I try to recreate. The first thing I ever cooked was a Mexican version of chicken noodle soup, and it turned out alright! Nothing like my Mom’s, though.
What is the biggest challenge for you in the kitchen?
- Perfection. I want the most perfect omelette, so it doesn’t end up a scramble. The muffins have to be fluffy. The eggs whites must be clear- no mess, just clear, beautiful, egg whites. If they aren’t, we start over again. That’s all I’m thinking in the middle of the breakfast rush: perfection.
What ingredient should everyone have in the fridge?
- Salt and garlic. They bring out the flavor in food, especially mexican food.
What is your favorite food?
- I love desserts like tres leches and flan. But my most favorite is fried plantains with sweetened condensed milk. So delicious.
–Anna Hetzel, Social Media Manager