Rick Martinez

Chef Rick Martinez is a celebrated Mexican-American chef, author, food personality, and recipe developer, who regularly contributes to The New York Times. Known for his vibrant, effervescent personality and innovative cooking style, Rick has received numerous accolades for his debut cookbook, Mi Cocina, including the prestigious James Beard Award for International Cooking, as well as two IACP awards for Best International Cookbook and Book of the Year in 2023. Born and raised in Austin, TX, and now based in Mazatlán, Mexico, Rick spent decades in advertising before following his dream of working with food. Rick graduated from the French Culinary Institute and worked under Dan Kluger at ABC Kitchen before working at Bon Appetit as a senior food editor. Years later, he discovered his true passion—to challenge misconceptions about Mexican cuisine. Through his work and cookbooks, he now showcases the vibrancy and diversity of Mexican food, highlighting its rich cultural heritage and how easily it can be incorporated into everyday cooking. Most recently Rick launched Sazón, his new Substack, which gives folks a front-row seat (and backstage pass) to the Mexican kitchen, with recipes and stories from his kitchen.