Place of Birth? Zacatecas, Mexico
How long on the Mountain? 40 years, 20 of them cooking at The Whistle Stop
If you were not brought here as a child, what brought you to the Mountain?
I came at the age of 14 with an older brother.
Profession? Chef
Other professions? Landscaping, but mostly cooking my whole life.
Favorite movie/and or musical? Movies that are action packed!
Favorite Actress/Actor? No favorites but I like the pretty ladies.
Favorite TV show? Sports shows.
Favorite book? I prefer playing on my phone.
Favorite type of music? Mariachi music is always playing in my kitchen.
Favorite Food? A good, well-roasted chicken.
Favorite hobbies? I enjoy family time with my dad, many siblings, my five kids and six grandchildren.
If offered a dream vacation, where would you go, and why? Italy, because Marc and Deb (Accuardi) make it sound so amazing and beautiful. Or back to Mexico with my Dad to visit family.
Best lesson learned as a child? Hard work pays off.
Defining moment in your life or your greatest accomplishment? Raising my grandchildren.
A memorable dinner? Every year for my mom’s birthday, we would always throw a huge party. It made me happy just to see her so happy.
A funny moment from your life that you can share? Too many funny moments to pick from but working with Moon in the kitchen with him always whistling.
If you could invite anyone (past or present) to dinner, who would it be, and why? My Mom since she is no longer around.
Describe yourself in one word? Just “me”.
When you’re not reading The Mountain Times, what book/author/magazine/other do you read? I am on my phone a lot.
If your life were made into a play or movie, what would the title be? “Action Chef” where I save the pretty lady.
Pet peeve? Whiners
Bad habit you’d like to break? I am proud to say that I’ve broken my worst habit: Smoking!
Famous person(s) you have met, and the circumstances? If I’ve met any famous persons, I did not know it. But Moon Mullins was “mountain” famous and we were good friends.
Favorite quote? “Asi es la vida” (Such is life)
Favorite part of The Mountain Times? The Mountain Profile.d