Chef Maira Isabel

Chef Maira Isabel was born into a culturally diverse family coming from Cuba, Venezuela, Spain, and Puerto Rico where she grew up.

Maira published her first cookbook, “Gourmet Para Todos Los Días” (Gourmet for Every Day) that quickly went on to be the #1 cookbook in Puerto Rico and stayed there for more than 10 weeks. Her second book; an exploration of aphrodisiac foods -including recipes- in Latin America is in the works and will be ready at the end of 2014. ​ Maira Isabel, has being featured in numerous television shows in the United Stated, Puerto Rico and throughout Latin America. These shows include: The Travel Channel's "Bizarre Foods" Puerto Rico episode where she was also part of the commercial to promote it. In addition, the Cooking Channel’s “Hook, Line and Dinner” and Comcast Network’s "TV Dinners Show”. She is the former chef of "Sabores de Familia" (Fox Utilísima Network - Latin America's "do-it-yourself" network), which was broadcasted in the United States and in over 25 countries throughout Latin America, “Tu Mañana” (Univisión PR), Telemundo Network's "Levántate" (broadcasted in 26 countries and coast to coast in US - live) and “En Todas” (WIPR - PR PBS Station) shows (the last two no longer in production).  In 2012, Maira Isabel embarked in a journey to opened Guava Restaurant in paradisiac Culebra Puerto Rico. This is her favorite consulting job up to date The menu features worldwide flavors with Caribbean fusions and its a favorite of locals and visitors alike. It is known as the best restaurant in Culebra and one that has great reviews on Trip Advisor. ​ Chef Maira Isabel is known for her dynamic and upbeat cooking demos and classes. At her culinary school; Let's Cook PR (2004-2011) she taught students - of all skill levels- the amazing world culinary arts is. She also works as a culinary and restaurant consultant, food stylist, reporter, spokesperson and product/recipe developer. Some of her clients include: KFC, Hot Potato (fast food chain), Avon, Smuckers, Mazola Oils, Ritz Crackers (US Hispanic Market), Kitchen Aid appliances, Carmela Sausages, American Military Academy of PR, Matosantos Food Service Distribution, The Government of PR, Casiano Communications, Unilever, Arco Advertising and Wal-Mart among others.

Chef Maira is frequently invited as a guest in culinary competitions and to participate in culinary events and forums. Some of her favorites are Plaza Food Fest and the Puerto Rico Wine and Food Fest (PR's most respected and biggest culinary event). Here she shared the stage with chef Tom Colicchio ("Top Chef"/Bravo).  Maira Isabel is fully bilingual (English/Spanish) with some knowledge of French and Italian. She is single and the mother of a beautiful baby girl named Julienne. In her free time she enjoys traveling, cooking (of course! ) , wines, painting, arts and crafts, photography, collecting restaurant menus, cookbooks and olive oils.

Education - A.S. Food and Beverage Management, Johnson and Wales University, RI 1995 (The program included a year in culinary arts) ​ - B.A. Business Administration, Trinity College, DC 1996​

• M.B.A. Marketing, University of Phoenix, PR 2003  Continuing Education Courses
• Cook and Taste – Barcelona, Spain
• The Culinary Institute of America – NY & CA, United States of America
• Le Cordon Bleu – Paris, France
• L'Atelier des Sens – Paris, France
• Colette Peters Pastry School – NYC, United States of America

Certifications and Memberships - ServSafe Certification
- Certified BBQ Judge - Kansas City BBQ Society Member - Research Chef Association Member

Others - Languages: English & Spanish (fluent), French (basic) and Italian (basic) - MS Office Literacy