ABOUT US:
Co-Founder, Aussie, Catriona Brown
Catriona Brown was born in Sydney, Australia to an artistically inclined, bohemian family. Although she spent her time organising the neighbour's children into theatre productions and street olympics, she wanted to be a medical doctor. Theatre won in the end, enticing her to leave home to study Drama at University in Adelaide and then to a life in theatre and television. In Sydney, she moved into the production of television programs and major live events. Sprinkled throughout her entertainment career were many opportunities to travel the world. 43 countries and 143 cities later, Cat is still going strong. She counts among her highest pleasures - the sampling of food fare from street stalls in Vietnam to five star restaurants in New York. All with equal enthusiasm.
In 2002, Cat discovered a little bit of heaven -- Puerto Morelos, in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. And, she made it her home. She launched a successful dive shop, built 4 houses (so far) and currently administers the town charity. Living on the Riviera Maya, she says it's compulsory to enjoy the beach, the town, her dog and the sport of polo. Bringing The Little Mexican Cooking School to life is her latest project and is an exciting way for her to help bring Puerto Morelos to the world stage.
Co-Founder: Canadian, Patti Murphy
Patti Murphy began her culinary career baking bread and waiting on tables to pay for Theatre School. One day while serving a white glove lobster and champagne brunch for CN Hotel executives aboard the "Bluenose II" sailing in Halifax Harbour, she realized she was hooked... on the excitement of the food biz. There was no turning back. That launched Murphy's exploration into the culinary world as a Waitress, French Service Head Waiter, Bartender, Restaurant Manager, Health Food Store Manager, Event Planner, Caterer, Food Stylist, Food Journalist, Bread Baker, Service Trainer and serious vegetable gardener.
Several years later, in her next career path as TV Producer, she was able to fuse her passion for food with her job. The recent hit Food Network Canada show: Chuck's Day Off and the outrageous 52 episodes of an 'Iron Chef for kids' series for CBC called Surprise It's Edible Incredible are prime examples. In between shows, Patti consumes travel adventures by living and working with the locals in some remote part of the world, to learn their local cuisine. When she first 'met' Mexico, in Puerto Morelos, it was love at first bite and she's been working on a way to learn more about Mexican cuisine, ever since. The Little Mexican Cooking School will reflect Patti's passion for authentic cuisine for curious travellers, delivered in a fabulous and entertaining way.
Chef Pablo
Chef Pablo Lopez Espinosa de los Monteros joins the school after spending 7 years in Canada operating his own restaurant in Squamish British Columbia. Café Maya, specialized in healthy versions of authentic Mayan fare. Café Maya was awarded the CRITICS CHOICE AWARD in Squamish B.C. Canada in 2008.
Mexico beckoned. And Pablo brought his wife and daughter Maya back to Mexico last year to reconnect with his roots, helming a restaurant in Nayarit. When the call came to lend his talents to our cooking school in Puerto Morelos, Pablo responded! Teaching the way of Mexican food and culture is really his passion. We are very pleased to have him as our main chef this season.
Claudia García Ramos de Celis
Claudia García Ramos was the chef from our first season and brought a wealth of personal experience. For our second year we have expanded our menu offerings to include a modern approach, still keeping in line with traditional regional foods. New chef Pablo Espinosa was the answer to our wishes and is delivering everything we wanted and more. Claudia is still giving cooking classes and has adopted much of the format we established here in her own little venture in her home. While her home class is not the full experience of The Little Mexican Cooking School, we recommend it as a good alternative when we are fully booked, which happens often, now.
Alexandre Rioux
Alexandre Rioux, a professional Sommelier-Caviste, currently helming the tasting rooms at the 5 star Maroma Resort & Spa in Cancun, has made it his mission to investigate the wines and spirits of Mexico. Alex delivers special Wine and Tequila tasting seminars for us on selected Wednesdays throughout the season. Normally a 3 hour session, that includes a sampling of 3 Mexican wines and 3 Tequilas, the intimate class also includes some delicious 'tapas' too. It makes an ideal event for pre-wedding grooms or bridal parties.
