Today we’d like to introduce you to Juan Pablo Diaz.
Juan Pablo, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Food has always been a big part of my life. I do not remember a time where my brothers and I were not in the kitchen or around the dinner table. It was a happy time filled with color, aromas, textures and sounds that I would carry with me to this day. Meals became the center of our family and the kitchen table was a place to talk, laugh, learn and share. When I moved to Miami for college, I missed the excitement of the kitchen and decided to take my passion for food and turn it into my purpose.
Two years ago, my partner and I were traveling to my birthplace of Merida. Actually, we were eating our way through the Yucatan. It was on this trip when I realized that we wanted to bring the flavors and the recipes of a Mayan kitchen back to Miami and share the beauty of my culture with those who were interested.
When we got back in the States, we refurbished an Airstream. Talk about a labor of love. After months of nonstop elbow grease, many electricians, plumbers, fire inspectors, carpenters, we brought the truck to life!
On November 11 (11/11) we had a soft opening for friends and family and slowly started doing some pop-ups and events. At the beginning of 2020, we were offered a unique opportunity to work out of sacred space under the Bayan trees of Upper Buena Vista where we are today.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I wouldn’t use the word smooth per se. It has definitely been a challenging road but a very beautiful road where we’ve grown a lot and become self-reliant in a way. The main struggle, as I’m sure for many other business, has been navigating COVID and all the new regulations.
Our grand opening in our new home of Upper Buena Vista was supposed to be March 14, but by March 16 we had officially closed our doors without a plan as to when or if we would reopen. Once Miami started implementing the various phases of the reopening plan, we were able to welcome back customers because we are 100% outdoor, but then we were at the mercy of Mother Nature, so between the summer heat, the rainstorms, all the hurricane and tropical storm warnings we were on our toes but the rain didn’t stop anyone from coming out,
Other than opening in a global pandemic, closing down for two months, and then navigating uncharted territory as new restaurateurs in a new COVID-19 world, it’s been a smooth road 🙂
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Food is soul connection that brings people together. Maya’mi Cocina is a culinary oasis nestled in a tropical sanctuary, where we serve elevated street food from an artful airstream. It is where we all come together to honor the essence of our Mayan roots and preserve the integrity of native Mayan ingredients.
Our founder and lead chef, Juan Pablo, takes guests through a curated experience rooted in his own upbringing with authentic ingredients and passionate execution. The resulting craft are plates that challenge the contemporary concepts of Mexican cuisine with the use of light and bright flavors that are healthy and adaptable to all diets, including some tasty experimental vegan options.
What were you like growing up?
I grew up in the ocean – I am by definition a water baby. My three brothers and I were always at the beach or on the boat looking for secret islands throughout the Mayan coast.
My biggest passion is fishing. Our father taught us the basics at a young age and it became my family’s ritual to go out for a day or two at a time looking for the big fish. We learned how to fish with respect and only take what was necessary and what we are cooking that day or that week.
Over the years, we got really good at fishing but even better at cooking our catch. The flavors and aromas that came from my kitchen are still some of my fondest memories. I believe the excitement of catching a fish and then cooking it yourself inspired my creativity in the kitchen and foster a respect for the fragility of life and to maximize every experience.
Contact Info:
- Address: 184 NE 50th Terrace (next to Modern OM)
Miami FL, 33137 - Website: www.mayamicocina.com
- Phone: (305) 301 -0722
- Email: hello@mayamicocina.com
- Instagram: mayamicocina
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/maya-mi-cocina-miami-3
Image Credit:
@sofiperrazo, @Martinorjuela
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