A few months ago, a casting agent invited me to audition for Food Network's Guy's Grocery Games. I've always said no to previous invitations. Just eight months earlier, I turned down PBS.
But this specific phone call was two days after my second heart surgery. I was under the influence of a large quantity of prescription medication, and I said YES to the casting call.
A few days later, I was on a Zoom call with a casting agent; I was still heavily medicated and had so much fun sharing stories of my love of cooking with my mama and tias. Their legal department asked me to sign waivers a day later, and I panicked! What had I done?
My reasoning for declining previous cooking reality TV invitations was my fear of dishonoring my mama's, abuelita's, and Tia's Mexican recipes due to short cooking timeframes and limited ingredients. Many of our recipes rely on hours of preparation and simmering to harness their complex flavors.
When I shared my concerns about being selected with my husband, he told me I had to accept their invitation because it was a great way to grow my brand, and who knew what doors it might open for me. My best friend shared his sentiments.
But even though they made sound arguments, I emailed the casting team the following night and told them the timing wasn't right. It had nothing to do with my health; I already felt so much better or dishonoring my family's cooking legacy with evaluated Taco Bell recipes. The truth was, I was terrified. I had so many scenarios going through my head of all the mishaps that awaited me: what if I burnt something, cut myself, everyone hated my food, oh no, this way too risky!
But getting out of it easily wasn't meant to be, and the following day, one of the show's producers called me and spent about 45 minutes addressing all my concerns and fears, and I said YES!
A few months later, I flew to the set for filming. It was one of the best experiences of my life! Everyone I interacted with, from the drivers, catering, other contestants, and celebrities, was so kind, and I had a blast.
More importantly, it helped me realize one of my biggest dreams! I shared stories of my mama, abuelita, and tias on National TV. Talking about these beloved women, sharing their stories, how hard they worked, my love and respect for my Mexican culture and immigrants, and how grateful I am to my ancestors! I don't have words to accurately express how much joy it gave me to share the stories of my personal heroes!
I even shared the story of how my abuelita illegally immigrated to California, walking across one of the borders carrying her beloved molcajete in her single suitcase. A molcajete that I use every day and possesses culinary magic.
The show's culinary team even ordered me molcajetes, and I was able to cook with them!
The other surprising thing about my show experience was that about 100 cameras on set followed our every move, and I wasn't nervous! The cooking was stressful, but interacting with camera operators, celebrities, and other contestants was delightful! I could speak clearly, be articulate, have fun, and be present. My "little" business had prepared me for my television debut, getting me comfortable in front of the camera and public speaking for the last seven years.
Guy Fieri, Chef Antonia Lofaso, Chef Jet Tila, Chef Aarti Sequeira, and Troy Johnson were gems and so incredibly kind and delightful. And having Chef Antonia coach me was epic. I learned so much from her, and the experience made my heart smile.
Our show, Season 35, Chef Antonia vs. Chef Jet, recently aired. Although I came in 2nd place after five episodes, the opportunity to share my family's culinary legacy, cooking with Chef Antonia, and fully recovering from two heart surgeries just a few months before the competition makes me feel like a WINNER!
I don't know how my next chapter will unfold, but it will include me saying yes more and not letting my fear drive my decisions. And constantly living by what those brave, courageous women in my family taught me - to have hope, faith and believe!
If you have a dream tucked away in your heart that keeps reminding you that it's still there, it shouldn't be ignored! Give yourself permission and breathe life into your dream, and who knows where it will take you, who you will meet, and who you will impact? Believe, have hope, have faith, and go get it! Si se puede!
Be well famila!
Happy Cooking,
Molé Mama