Vancouver is home to some of the best chefs in the world, many have worked for the top chefs and restaurants around the world as well as around the city. Dishing with the Chefs is a series of Interviews with some of the top chefs in and around Vancouver.
Maritza Orellana
In 1991 Maritza met her husband (Juan Gomez) at a restaurant in Richmond, she then worked at Rio Rio in Gastown as a sous chef while her husband was the Executive Chef. In 1992, Maritza started working at La Bodega downtown Vancouver in prep in the kitchen, her husband was the Executive Chef there, she then took over his position when he left. In 2014, La Bodega closed. In September of 2015 the children of one of the owners of La Bodega opened Bodega on Main and Maritza joined and became the Head Chef.
Where did you grow up?
El Salvador
Did you always have an interest in cooking?
No, I never thought I would end up cooking as a career.
Where did your love for cooking start?
I started at La Bodega, my husband taught me, he made me cry as it had to be done right. Cooking fish, pork, and everything. Now my daughter is following in my roots and she is cooking at Bodega on Main, she recently finished culinary school.
1st dish
Boquernos En Binagre
Boquernos En Binagre
Marinated white anchovy filets
Piquillo pepper relish
Grilled baguette
Garlic confit
What are your favourite ingredients to cook with?
Onions, garlic, peppers, chipotle
I understand you like to make Mexican mole, tell me about that
My husband is Mexican, I learned to make Mexican food from his family. I make mole from scratch, I also make my own salsas and hot sauces.
2nd dish
Gambas al Ajillo
Gambas al Ajillo
Prawns
Garlic
Chilis
Sherry
What are some of your favourite dishes?
Tilapia (fish)
Sushi
Chinese food and dim sum
3rd dish
Champinones
Champinones
Mixed mushrooms
Garlic
Sherry
Ground manchego cheese
What are your Favourite restaurants outside of where you work?
The Keg
Joe fortes
Minami Yaletown
What do you like to drink?
Red wine, dry
Good tequila
(but never drink the red wine and tequila together)
4th dish
Chistorra Ala Sidra
Chistorra Ala Sidra
Thin pork sausage
Basque cider
5th dish
Croquetta Del Dia
Croquetta Del Dia
Flour
Béchamel
Mushrooms
6th dish
Piquillos Relienos
Piquillos Relienos
Piqullos peppers
Goat cheese
Basil
Dates
Marcona almonds
Balsamic reduction
Parsley oil
Tell me about the use of chili
In Spain they don’t use chili, but here at Bodega on Main in the Gamba dish we use chili because people like it.
What is your favourite dish to pair with a glass of red wine?
Paella or Charcouterie platter
What are the most popular dishes at Bodega on Main?
Paella
Patat bravas
Mushrooms
Stay tuned for the next chef in the Dishing with the Chef series.
By: Richard Wolak