Lagniappe
With more than 15 years of cuLinary experience under his beLt , Juan pabLo Loza Last year Was seLected to oversee food and beverage operations at roseWood mayakoba . he is inspired by the deep-seated traditions and LocaL fLavors , as WeLL as the Words of a mayan Woman from a nearby viLLage .
Who taught you your biggest life lesson , and what was it ?
A Mayan woman in a small village close to Cobá . She told me that poor people are not the people who don ’ t have money . The truly poor people are the ones who don ’ t have a family or a connection with nature . When I asked her why , she said , “ If you are not connected with nature , you won ’ t have food to eat or anything to enjoy . And if you don ’ t have a family , you won ’ t have anybody to share or enjoy it with .” She made me realize how rich I am , and I am constantly thankful for that .
If you weren ’ t a hotelier or a chef , what would you be ?
An architect or designer .
What are your favorite travel items ?
Headphones and a book .
Juan Pablo loza executive chef , Rosewood Mayakoba , RivieRa Maya , Mexico
What are your pet peeves ?
When people come to Mexico and are afraid of the water , whether it ’ s drinking it , taking a shower or not eating the vegetables . Many people don ’ t realize that most vegetables are grown in Mexico and exported , so it is likely that many people have eaten Mexican vegetables at home already .
I also cannot stand to see Tabasco sauce in my kitchen . If I see any , I immediately throw it away . There are so many amazing chilies in the world to use and enjoy instead of that terrible and unhealthy spicy vinegar .
What is your favorite place at the Rosewood Mayakoba ?
My herb garden , because it inspires my cooking . Sense Spa is also a magical place filled with unique energy and mysticism .
What advice do you have for up-and-coming chefs and hoteliers ?
Anything is possible if you work hard enough for it . The world is an amazing place filled with people who love to eat and travel , so guests are the best judges you will encounter . Be sure to take their feedback into account and approach every person as a new opportunity to teach you something new and broaden your horizons .
72 hotelsmag . com July / August 2016