Mariana Worrall

 

Born and raised in Mexico, Mariana has always been immersed in a rich heritage, vibrant colours, and delectable cuisine. Her Canadian roots brought her to Toronto in 2017, where once again she relished the diverse and wonderful flavours of a multicultural city. 

During her university years, she embarked on a solo backpacking trip around Europe that enriched her understanding of diverse culinary and cultural backgrounds. Fueled by the desire to foster connections through shared experiences, she completed her bachelor’s degree in Communications and Media and worked as an event and broadcast producer for globally renowned brands.

After several years in advertisement, Mariana recognized the disconnect between humanity, how we nourish our bodies, and how we treat the land we stand on. Eager to make a positive impact and learn from nature, she transitioned from her corporate role to join a regenerative organic farm in southern Ontario. Today, she passionately advocates for culinary communities that prioritize their food systems.

Mariana is fluent in English and Spanish and also knows some Portuguese. When travelling, she prefers getting off the beaten path. She enjoys finding new spots together with her husband and going the extra mile in search of that undiscovered eatery, virgin beach, or hidden hiking trail. 

Driven by the belief that the land is precious and eating from it is even better, Mariana hopes to be self-sustainable someday. She deeply appreciates the work behind the Culinary Tourism Alliance and wears her “Event Specialist” role with pride. She has orchestrated numerous sold-out Feast On® The Farm events in collaboration with various host destination partners in Ontario, along with multiple culinary experiences that have left a lasting impact.

As part of the CTA team, Mariana continues to evolve, focusing on spreading awareness about the land’s invaluable resources and its dedicated producers through culinary experiences that reconnect us to our surroundings.

 

Mariana recommends:

  • Munching on a hand made corn quesadilla filled with fresh Oaxaca cheese and flor de calabaza (zucchini flowers) or huitlacoche at Coyoacan's Mercado after a visit to Frida Kahlo's blue house in Mexico.

  • Spending a summery family Sunday by the garden in Argentina, starting your morning with a strong bitter mate and sweet facturas, and finishing the day with a bountiful traditional asado and a great glass of red wine.

  • Getting lost in a tiny town in Crete and experiencing an al fresco lunch in a traditional Greek taverna  - anything with fresh goat cheese, hand picked olives, and lamb.