About me

Meet Zoé

I was born in Puerto Rico. At 15, my family moved to Florida, where I finished high school and began studying theatre in college before switching to culinary arts. I have spent over 20 years in the culinary world, working in everything from fast food to fine dining. My experience includes the Dolphin Resort at Walt Disney World and Top of the Falls Restaurant in Niagara Falls State Park, a well-known seasonal restaurant. Those kitchens taught me discipline, versatility, and technique. But it is the flavors of home that still guide me.

What Fuels My Fire

My cooking is influenced by the ingredients I grew up with, the stories they carry, and the desire to bring them to life in both traditional and nontraditional ways. I draw inspiration from the everyday cooks in my family, the resilience of Puerto Rican cuisine, and the freedom that comes from not being formally trained in one single style.

A Culinary Commitment to Puerto Rican Heritage

Food has always been my strongest connection to family and culture. Dishes like Pastelón and my mother's Budín de Pan are more than meals. They are memories, stories, and pieces of who I am. That is why I feel a sense of duty with this work. Even when it's hard, whether I'm developing recipes, shooting videos, or managing the tech, I keep going because it matters.

I want to preserve the recipes that shaped me, but I also want to push them forward. I want to explore new uses for familiar ingredients and reimagine what Puerto Rican food can be. Our cuisine deserves more than being known for rice and frituras. It is rich, resourceful, and full of possibility. My goal is to celebrate that and to share it with home cooks who crave that same connection.

Girl Meets Fire: Where Passion Meets Purpose

This project was born out of both frustration and longing. While working as a chef, I came to a hard realization. I knew very little about the food I grew up eating. After losing my mother, I felt an urgent need to reconnect with that part of myself and to honor her memory through our culinary heritage. Girl Meets Fire became the space where I could bring together my professional experience and cultural passion. It gave me a purpose, a voice, and a way to cook, write, and share, no matter where life takes me.

What Girl Meets Fire Brings to the Table

• Authentic Puerto Rican Recipes: Family favorites and my own interpretations, adapted for the modern kitchen. Dishes like my grandmother's Arroz con Dulce, a sticky-sweet rice pudding served during the holidays, or Arroz con Pollo, a comforting go-to for busy weekdays.
• Puerto Rican Fusions and Other Global Inspirations: Traditional Puerto Rican recipes reimagined with creative twists and influences from around the world. Think Seafood Pomodoro, a light and vibrant mix of shrimp, mussels, and more, or Cochinita Pibil, a flavorful slow-cooked dish that will level up your next Taco Tuesday.
• Tips & Techniques: Professional insights to help you recreate Puerto Rican flavors with confidence. From peeling plantains and green bananas to cooking perfect white rice, each recipe comes with tips to make your time in the kitchen smoother and more rewarding.

Traditional Puerto Rican Recipes

Whether you're reconnecting with your heritage, curious about Puerto Rican cuisine, or just looking for something delicious to make, I'm here to guide you. Check out my Traditional Puerto Rican Classics to get started-every dish is a step closer to savoring the rich flavors of Puerto Rico.