MEET

Maria Hernandez

Maria Hernandez is the proud owner and heart behind La Cocina de Maria, a beloved neighborhood Mexican restaurant known for its authentic dishes and vibrant atmosphere. Born and raised in a small village in Mexico, Maria grew up surrounded by the rich culinary traditions of her family. Her dream of sharing the flavors and warmth of her heritage inspired her to open her own restaurant after moving to the United States. For over 15 years, Maria has been a cornerstone of her community, offering not just meals but a sense of home to every customer who walks through her doors. When she’s not in the kitchen perfecting her recipes, Maria loves teaching cooking classes to local families and hosting charity dinners to give back to the neighborhood that has supported her so generously. Her passion for food and people shines through in every detail of her restaurant, making it a cherished gathering spot for locals and visitors alike.

Learn more about

Maria

Q: Hey! Thanks for taking the time to be here. Can you start by sharing a little bit about yourself and your family? *

My name is Maria Hernandez, and I own “La Cocina de Maria,” a family-run Mexican restaurant nestled in the heart of San Diego. We’ve been serving authentic, home-style Mexican cuisine for over 15 years, aiming to provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all our guests.

Q: I love learning about how people began their career path because our stories are always so different. What was the inspiration or reason you decided to do what you do? *

A: Growing up, I was surrounded by the rich culinary traditions of my family. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, and I wanted to share the flavors of my heritage with the San Diego community. Opening “La Cocina de Maria” allowed me to create a space where people can experience the warmth and love that goes into every dish.

Q: What services do you offer? And why did you choose to offer those particular services? *

A: We believe in giving back to the community that has supported us over the years. We host monthly cooking classes for local residents, participate in community festivals, and collaborate with nearby schools to provide meals for events. Our goal is to be more than just a place to eat; we strive to be a gathering spot where memories are made.

Q: What have you learned about yourself and your business over the years? How has your business changed to adapt to changing client needs? *

A: Our menu has evolved based on feedback and inspiration from our patrons. We’ve incorporated local ingredients and adapted some recipes to reflect the diverse palates of our customers. The community’s support and enthusiasm have been pivotal in shaping our restaurant’s identity.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years? *

A: I hope to continue serving the community with the same passion and dedication. We’re planning to introduce more community-focused events and expand our outreach programs. For the community, I envision continued growth and collaboration, fostering an environment where local businesses and residents thrive together.

Q: How do people reach you?

La Cocina de Maria

Maria & Our Community

Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community? *

15 years

Q: What local business or business person would you consider your hometown hero and why? *

There are so many of our patrons that have small businesses in the area I can’t choose one!

Q: Give us a fun fact about yourself that people may not know. *

My favorite breakfast is french toast!

Q: If you were trying to get a friend to move here, what would you tell them about our community? *

Friendly people, great food and year round sunshine!

Connect with Maria

La Cocina de Maria

Maria

Owner

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