LA LATINA
Grace Ramirez
Born in Miami to Venezuelan parents, Grace Ramirez moved to New Zealand with his advertising executive husband four years ago. It was just the most recent step on her path towards world foodie domination, which actually started with her being rejected by celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay on the first season of US Masterchef. Much water has flown under that bridge since then; she studied hard in New York, scored an internship at Mario Batali’s food emporium Eataly and eventually ended up in New Zealand, where she became a TV personality. Despite being a milestone for any rising star chef, her appearance as a judge on My Kitchen Rules is meant to be just the tip of the iceberg. Ramirez now aims at representing not just Venezuela, but the whole South American food culture.
Her first cookbook, ‘La Latina’, celebrates traditional recipes from throughout the continent, recreated using locally available ingredients and exciting flavour combinations. The book also gives a fascinating insight into each country’s culinary history.
With a new TV show and more cookbooks in the pipeline, it is safe to say that Grace Ramirez is here to stay.
