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They say that the key to success and happiness in life lies in finding one’s passion, and realising one’s potential to the fullest. Mexican chef Teodora Cardenas is a living example of this.
From her elementary school age, she had two hobbies – playing basketball in her school team, and watching her mother cook in the kitchen. She was a simple girl from a simple family with no ambitious plans earmarked in life. Born and brought up in the town of Tulancingo, around 120 kilometres northeast of the capital Mexico City, she received her education up to the college level here as well.
Not in her wildest imagination did she ever think that one day she would be travelling, and that too as far as away as more than 14,000km from home, and come to settle in Qatar.
Talking to Qatar Tribune, Teodora narrated how she entered the food industry as a skilled chef. This is considered such a competitive sector, and she said it was her passion for cooking and watching her mother cook for the family members after returning from school that led her up the career path she ultimately chose.
When She Cooked Sopa De Tetras
Teodora was merely eight years old when her mother allowed her to prepare, for the first time, Sopa de Tetras, a soup made from pasta and other ingredients. The delicacy tasted so good that her siblings couldn’t believe it was cooked by Teodora. Her mother, however, was ecstatic showering all praise on her. This was something that helped Teodora build lot of confidence and, of course, depth in her cooking.
At age 15, Teodora prepared her first main dish and her mother – her mentor – not only applauded her cooking but also thought it was time she was given the responsibility to prepare food for siblings before leaving for school in the mornings. “That also gave some relief to my mother as she could do other household jobs,” she reminisced.
By age 40, Teodora was the mother of five and her family’s growing expenses were pushing her to seek a job. She wanted to help her husband to meet the family expenses. With no outside exposure, any no job experience at that age, getting a job was a daunting challenge. Teodora decided to use her cooking experience in a place 120km away in Mexico City. She was lucky to get hired by a nice and caring family that was open heartedly appreciating her cooking skills. In fact, they used to joke, in admiration of course, that Teodora was hiding an angel who cooks for her!
The Turn Of Fate
Teodora spent six years working in that family in Mexico City. Fate was about to turn decisively. In the year 2013, her employers got a job in Qatar and she accompanied them to this GCC country. At that time, she had absolutely no idea which part of the world Qatar was located in, or about its culture, customs, language, weather etc.
It was only six months after her stay in Qatar that a situation in her family brought her back home in Mexico City. But as she returned back home, she started feeling very uncomfortable, although all her life she had lived in the same milieu, in same home town, and enjoying.
“There was something amiss. There was this strange and strong feeling within me that kept pushing me to return back to Qatar,” she said.
“I cannot define those feelings. What I can say is Qatar is a land of peace, safety, security, and most important of all, the way people in Qatar pay respect to women.
“Initially, when an expatriate comes to Qatar, they may take time to adjust in settling. However, just after staying for a few months, some magic holds them and they are all deeply attached to this peaceful land,” she admitted.
No wonder Teodora was back to Qatar after staying for just six months with her family. She’s been in Qatar for almost six years now where she is working.
Mexican Cuisine Specialist
As it happened, her reputation as a cook of great finesse of Mexican cuisine spread word of mouth and reached a local entrepreneur, Jassim Mohammed Al Hammadi, who had been mulling over setting up an exclusive Mexican restaurant in a double decker converted from 1970’s school buses.
Al Hammadi and his partners had finalized their unique project of Abucado Restaurant and had gone through extensive safety and security measures, with unique styled furniture, when they found about “angel chef” Teodora Cardenas. Her caring attitude with her staff made them to call her “mamita” (mom).
One of the most unique shaped restaurants in the region, Abucado is situated in Lusail Food Arena with exclusive looks of a contemporary food truck. The food arena faces seaside and a long public walkway in a beautifully-designed lavishly green area, one of the most attractive destinations for residents of the latest well-designed smart city. It’s a great attraction for outside visitors as well.
So, here’s wishing the “angel chef”, “mamita”
Teodora Cardenas all the best.
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05/11/2020
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