Susana Trilling's Seasons of My Heart Cooking School

Posted by Mary Luz Mejia Dec 7, 2008

Susana Trilling is a maverick, a talented chef, an inquisitive soul and one of the most contagiously happy people I've ever had the good fortune of meeting while working on "At the Table With..." for the Food Network Canada. It's not that she hasn't had her share of setbacks, sadness or rough patches- it's that her indomitable spirit refuses to be dragged down by these for too long. You sense that in her ready smile, her effortless way with people and in her authentically prepared Oaxacan dishes.

If you've never heard of Susana Trilling- then maybe you haven't seen her Seasons of My Heart cookbook- the companion and definitive guide to Oaxacan cooking that accompanied her hit PBS series of the same name. Or perhaps you've missed the dozens of articles lauding her cooking school (most recently in Gourmet Magazine- May 2008) where a hands-on approach is the name of the game when she's teaching- whether you're in her terra cotta domed "temple of good food" cooking school, our out in the middle of a chile field near Cuicatlan, Mexico as we were to savour Chilhuacle chiles (amazing stuff!). If you live in the US- you'll get to sample some of her creations via the talented teams that head up the up-scale and decidedly delicious Rosa Mexicano restaurants (she's the chain's culinary director). Lucky you!

Meeting Susana was inspirational, powerful and a clear reminder that no matter how many times one can get side-tracked in life, if you follow your passion and your heart, you can't go wrong. Gracias Susana! As my dad would say, "Adelante!"