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My mother and my grandmother are pioneers of Mexican cuisine in this country, so I grew up in the kitchen. My mom, Zarela Martinez, was by far my biggest influence and inspiration - and toughest critic.

I love Mexican food, and there's a really good restaurant called El Parador that I love.

I'm a terrific Mexican cook, and I just love Mexican food. And I love cooking Mexican food.

Mexican food is far more varied than people think. It changes like dialects. I was brought up in Jalisco by the sea on a basic diet - tomatoes, chillis, peppers of every size and rice, which is a Mexican staple. The Pacific coast has a huge array of seafood.

I wanted to get away from the Mexican vernacular and do more 'nuevo Latino.' Americans are starting to understand regionality in Mexican food. It is very regional in terms of ingredients.

I grew up with fantastic Southern food. In Southern California.

What I miss most about Mexico isn't the food or the customs; it's my family and the way we'd all sit around chatting together.

I grew up eating Cuban food all the time.

I will eat anything Mexican - a sombrero, hacienda... anything. They've perfected the combo of bread items and the grill.