Maribel Aldaco is the Executive Pastry Chef at Fauna Restaurant in the state of Baja California, Mexico. In 2023, she was awarded the prestigious title of "Best Pastry Chef in Latin America" by 50 Best Restaurants.
Born in Ensenada, Baja California, Maribel Aldaco began baking with her siblings and friends at the age of seven, using the professional utensils of her friend's father. These early experiences solidified her love of cooking and pushed her to continue.
At the age of 18, she began studying gastronomy, but in order to deepen her practical skills, she decided to temporarily interrupt university to work both in Mexico and abroad. She had the opportunity to collaborate with internationally renowned chefs at restaurants such as Martín Berasategui in Spain, Blue Hill at Stone Barns and The Nomad in New York, and Quince in San Francisco.
In 2017, Maribel returned home to join the team at Fauna in Valle de Guadalupe. As executive pastry chef, she has helped raise the profile of the eatery, which has been recognized as one of the best in the country. Her philosophy is based on reinterpreting the flavors of childhood, combining traditional ingredients with modern techniques to create desserts that evoke nostalgia.
In November 2023, she was honored as Latin America's Best Pastry Chef by Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants, an award that celebrates her innate talent.
