Lucía Benitez
COFOUNDER, SOBREMESA
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO
Lucia has been cooking all her life, always inspired by her Spanish and Mexican heritage. Today she is well known as the co-founder of Sobremesa in Mexico City, where she hosts intimate cooking classes and gatherings.
When she isn’t at Sobremesa, she is with her two children or traveling to new places in search of exciting new flavors and memories.
Wild Terrains group trips in Mexico City usually find themselves at with Lucia at Sobremesa for a private dinner or cooking class.
Follow Sobremesa here.
WATCH 37 QUESTIONS WITH LUCIA
“In our culture the norm is not to be working and raising a family at the same time, so sometimes we feel guilty. But I prefer to be an inspiration to my children, and to help them grow up knowing the values I have learned in my life and in my work: confidence, happiness in doing what you love, to give to the world by doing what you believe in, and to be happy with yourself.
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LEARN MORE ABOUT LUCIA
1. WHERE DOES YOUR CREATIVITY IN THE KITCHEN COME FROM?
My creativity comes from what I like to eat, my travels, my walks in nature and the connections I have to the ingredients and tastes of my lifetime. Also when I see the ingredients at the market I get inspiration for what to make that day.
2. HOW DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION FOR NEW DISHES?
Typically the same way; my tastes and everyday experiences. Also, though, it may depend on seasonality.
3. WHY IS YOUR RESTAURANT CALLED SOBREMESA?
“Sobremesa” is the time after everyone has finished eating and is enjoying each other’s company over dessert or drinks. It is a time to share, to talk with people you love, to enjoy that the meal that you helped make. It’s something real, something close, and very important in our culture.
4. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO BE A PART OF THE COMMUNITY OF FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS IN MEXICO CITY?
It is important to encourage other women to be confident in themselves, and to not feel guilty for working and having families or kids simultaneously. In our culture the norm is not to be working and raising a family at the same time, so sometimes we feel guilty. But I prefer to be an inspiration to my children, and to help them grow up knowing the values I have learned in my life and in my work: confidence, happiness in doing what you love, to give to the world by doing what you believe in, and to be happy with yourself.
5. THE FOOD INDUSTRY IS INFAMOUSLY MALE-DOMINATED. IS THERE ANY ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE TO A WOMAN IN THIS BUSINESS?
My advice is to believe in yourself, period. No matter what, just do the things you feel are right. Be clear and congruent with yourself in what you say and what you do.
6. HOW DO YOU BALANCE YOUR WORK LIFE AND FAMILY LIFE?
I have lunch at home with my kids and husband everyday, and I spend time in the afternoons with them. Weekends are for being present, connecting with my family, and spending time together, usually outdoors if possible.