Normally, one relates the culinary arts with wholesome, jolly, bouncy people. But managing food can also mean that you become a master of what you do with your spare time.
Malpaj Bistro is the international food restaurant owned by Andrea León, a chef who also happens to be an athlete.
The venue’s name comes from the first letters of her closest and dearest family members: Maribel, her grandmother, Luisa, her mother, Pato, her grandfather, may he rest in peace, and Juan Carlos, the name of both her dad and brother.
She’s been involved in sports from a very young age. She began practicing yoga twelve years ago, and also managed to become a champion in the Mexican Flag Football League and at a local league in Morelos.
She began training for triathlons a year and a half ago, where she discovered the love for this sport and discipline. This year only, she won third place in Olympic distance and has won three 1st place titles in sprint distance.
This means that she classified for the World Triathlon competition in Cozumel 2016 and Rotterdam 2017.
But this never meant that she didn’t enjoy food or cooking.
She decided to study gastronomy because her grandparents always allowed her to help with the cooking.
“My best memories are helping prepare the food, and the great pleasure it gave me to share food with my family.”
Specially during Christmas time, the traditional cod recipe passed down from generation to generation was something she shared and cherished. This helped her realize that preparing food was a path where she could honor her family.
“Waiting for my mom all day long because she promised that afternoon we would bake muffins, crushing the cookies for my dad’s lemon pie crust, and waiting an entire year for my grandpa’s famous Super Bowl ceviche.”
But cooking isn’t all. Aside from being a triathlete, she also practices yoga, which helps give her a new perspective on life.
“I like the philosophy of thanking for each and every day.”
And this relates to food. Because being able to move your body while you work in something that also moves your soul and passion is worth being thankful for.
Yoga is not only about physical (and sometimes almost impossible) postures, but also about the search for balance and union between body, mind, soul and breathing. And it’s the same with food.
It’s not always about what ingredients go into the dish, but also about what sentiments you put into it. Drive, passion, love, tranquility.
“When you are in harmony, life becomes a lot simpler, you’re happy and able to enjoy fully.”
This is basically what goes down in Malpaj Bistro – life goes into every plate. Home cooking, with a touch of New York style gastronomy and culinary school. Fresh bread is baked every morning, the jams are hand and homemade, and local and organic products are what makes the flavores come alive.
And it doesn’t stop there – she also opened up a food truck under the same concept as Malpaj, called “La Changüichería”, and participates in a radio talk show where she hands out homemade recipes.
“I try to provoke magical moments, create delicious sensations for the palate, followed by sighs of satisfaction.”
Yoga, life, and a whole lot of heart go into every effort Andrea does every day. And every day, a thankful thought escapes from her mind and goes out into the world.
If you’d like to know more about her, check out her social media!
Chef Andrea Leon Rubio’s Facebook Page
Instagram: @Malpajbistro
Twitter: @Malpajbistro
Keep rolling ’til you find something you love…
