ISABEL GOMEZ

Chef de cuisine, Amerigos Mexican Bar & Restaurant

The three most valuable life lessons I’ve learned in the kitchen are to always be curious, have the right attitude and be humble enough to learn from others – these things are what would make you successful anywhere in life.

My team here has never had a female leader in the kitchen and it’s not common as unfortunately, it’s a male dominated industry. It’s new to them that a woman is calling the shots. They tell me I train them well and I give them a lot of new knowledge that they’ve never learned from their previous leaders.

There is a state in Mexico we call Hidalgo and once when I was there, I had the opportunity to try crocodile and snake. It was so interesting, not only because of the different flavours and textures but also for the culinary techniques that the people use to cook them.

The dish I’m the most proud of creating is scallop ceviche mixed with lemon and coconut milk, and orange and mint infusion.

If I am going to eat junk food, it has to be pizza or burgers.

One of my favourite restaurants in the UAE is Naya, an Indian outlet in Dubai. I find Indian cuisine very interesting and for me, this restaurant serves the best dishes the cuisine has to offer.

Park Inn By Radisson, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, daily noon to 1.30am. Tel: (02) 6562222. Taxi: Yas Island. parkinn.com