Martinez.7z | Cristina

Cristina Martínez is a world-renowned chef, activist, and the owner of South Philly Barbacoa and Casa Mexico in Philadelphia. She is widely celebrated for her mastery of traditional lamb barbacoa, a skill she began learning at age six in her hometown of Capulhuac, Mexico. South Philly Barbacoa OpenPhiladelphia, PA Journey and Culinary Rise

Martínez’s path to success was marked by profound personal sacrifice and resilience: Cristina Martinez.7z

: She emigrated to the United States in 2009 to escape domestic violence and to earn money for her daughter’s education. Cristina Martínez is a world-renowned chef, activist, and

: Her restaurant was named one of the "Top Ten Best New Restaurants in America" by Bon Appétit in 2016. In 2022, she won the prestigious James Beard Award for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic. Activism and Community Impact : Her restaurant was named one of the

: Starting as a dishwasher, she worked her way up to pastry chef in a Philadelphia Italian restaurant but was eventually fired due to her undocumented status.

Martínez uses her high-profile platform to advocate for the rights of undocumented workers: about me - Chef Cristina Martinez

: Following her dismissal, she began cooking barbacoa in her apartment with her husband, Ben Miller. They eventually sold tacos from a pushcart before opening a permanent location in 2015.