Heritage on a plate
I’m Alejandra "Allie", a Mexican chef, wife and mum living on the Sunshine Coast. Food has been at the centre of my life for as long as I can remember, and today I combine my love for family, culture and hospitality through Maria Maria – my private chef and cooking lessons project named in honour of my two grandmothers, both called Maria.
I studied Hospitality Management and International Cuisine at ESDAI Universidad Panamericana in Guadalajara, where I learned the true importance of hospitality and how food can be a way to share, nurture, and connect with others while celebrating our deep cultural roots. My studies also gave me a strong foundation in professional kitchen operations and restaurant and catering management. After moving to Australia, I further enhanced my qualifications by obtaining Food Safety Supervisor accreditation, ensuring that my work aligns with local food safety and regulatory standards.
My professional journey has taken me through kitchens across Guadalajara, Mexico City, and Madrid, where I have gained experience in high end restaurants, fine dining, catering, pastry, and baking. Working across both savoury and pastry kitchens has allowed me to develop a versatile culinary skill set, with a particular passion for Mexican cuisine and baking. I have also worked at prestigious events in Mexico City, where precision, creativity, consistency, and attention to detail were essential. These experiences have shaped my approach to food and continue to influence the way I create and share Mexican cuisine today.
%2021_30_41.png)
Teaching has always been an important part of my work. I taught cooking to children and teenagers at Colegio Torreblanca in Guadalajara and led relaxed, hands-on classes for adults at The Cooking Table. In 2020, I took my teaching online with my YouTube channel “Ale Maciel,” where I share recipes, tips and the food I love to cook and eat. I enjoy explaining techniques in a clear, friendly way so that anyone can feel confident in the kitchen.
I have also lived four years in the United States and now two years in Australia, which has given me a deep understanding of international hospitality and multicultural tastes. My English is fluent, and I’m comfortable working with guests and students from many different backgrounds.
In 2024, I founded The Sunshine Coast Cookbook Club, a non-profit group where local food lovers meet to cook from and discuss culinary books, building community around food, culture and conversation.
Through Maria Maria, I offer private chef services for intimate dinners and small events, as well as personalised cooking lessons. My specialty is authentic Mexican cuisine and pastry, enriched by my professional training and international experience. Whether I’m creating a menu for a special celebration or guiding you through a hands-on cooking class, my goal is always the same: to share generous, flavourful food and create warm, memorable experiences around the table.
The Maria Maria Difference
Authentic Recipes
Professional Precision
Personal Connection
Allie’s recipes are a heartfelt tribute to Mexico and her family.
Formally trained in global hospitality, we bring professional techniques to everything we cook and teach.
Enjoy more than just a meal – personalised, caring service that makes your story the heart of the celebration.