Ambassador Profile – Chef Abi López

Winning Competition Dish: Mole Manchamanteles

Personal Hero: My Mother

Secret Comfort Food: Taquitos al Pastor

Favourite Ingredient: Achiote (Annatto)

Culinary Philosophy: Cooking is more of a lifestyle than a profession.

The transmission of customs amongst generations is what so many of our incredible culinary creations stem from. Chef Abi López is a firm proponent that food and tradition should remain intertwined as she knows that her Indigenous and Mexican family ties have played a critical role in forming the chef she is today. Watching from the sidelines as people in her family’s hometown made everything from scratch, she set her culinary goal: make better food, from scratch.

After competing in the Garland Canada Culinary Competition in 2024, Chef Abi felt she gained a lot more than initially anticipated. When asked why she chose to apply and compete, she chuckled and expressed that one of her resolutions for the year was to “push herself beyond her comfort zone.” Not only did she achieve her goal, but she also gained a breadth of knowledge and a larger network of peers who understand her love for cooking. Competing also afforded the chef with a confidence in public speaking that she’s utilized in teaching private cooking classes, where she shares her skillset with a new generation of cooks.

When we asked what the Garland competition meant to her, Chef Abi immediately responded with “Resiliency! Learning how to grow through challenging yourself. Bringing together many talented chefs who can exchange ideas, techniques and cultures helps to facilitate an environment of openness and improves our industry as a whole.” Better together, is the motto!

Chef’s Counsel: “As Garland’s 2025 competition registration opens, be sure to apply and enter with the goal of beating yourself, and not the others around you. Beat the best version of yourself, and continue doing that everyday.”

Sending you good luck, Chef Abi – reach for the (Michelin) stars!

Follow Chef Abi @chefa_bby