In this episode, I sit down with Chef Maria Mazon, Founder and Executive Chef of BOCA Tacos y Tequila in Tucson, Arizona, and creator of SONA Tortillas. Born in Tucson and raised in Sonora, Mexico, Chef Maria embodies the fusion of both cultures in her food — “On my chef coat, I have Sonora on one side and Arizona on the other. They are one country to me. And that one country is my kitchen.”

Chef Maria is a celebrated culinary innovator:

• James Beard Award Semifinalist (2020 & 2022)
• Contestant on Bravo’s Top Chef Season 18
• Competitor on Food Network’s Chopped: Gold Medal Games
• Recognized by UNESCO’s City of Gastronomy, Tucson

In our conversation, Chef Maria shares her journey, her passion for creating dishes that tell a story, and how she continues to represent her culture and community on national and international stages.