What made you change course from economics to cooking?
Life…. I used to love watching my great-grandmother cook. It was a Sunday thing, where the whole family and neighbors would come over to our house…. But I never thought that the cooking that I had enjoyed every day and observed ever since I was a child would have so much influence. When I began working as administrator at the Dr. Café, I realized that cooking was entertaining for me. I liked it. I would feel very flattered when a customer would say, “What a great meal!” or “Listen, that was a little too salty.” Suddenly, I was spending my days thinking about different dishes, and I would go to bed thinking about dishes. I was discovering myself in something that I never thought I would have liked — and enjoyed, because I enjoy cooking.
Mediterranean Salad
Ingredients
fresh tomato / 1
feta cheese / 120 g
balsamic vinegar
olive oil
salt and pepper
herbes de Provence
Preparation
Slice the tomato into 4 pieces and add salt and pepper. Add balsamic vinegar and sprinkle with olive oil and Herbes de Provence for aroma. Place cheese on each slice of tomato, creating layers. Serve with dried fruit and Serrano ham.
*María Elena Palmero (1969) Holds a degree in Accounting and Finance. Self-taught chef. Administered the restaurant Dr. Café (2002-2007). Took her first steps as a chef at the restaurant El Palio (2007-2012). In 2009 and 2010, she cooked the dinners for blind tastings organized by Torres wines. In June 2012 she opened her own restaurant, El Patio.
