Dominican Maria Marte is the star of the story of a dishwasher who moved up to win two Michelin stars in Madrid.
Like so many other Dominicans following their relatives, 36-year old Dominican Maria Marte moved to Spain. Her eldest son, who was eight, had traveled to Spain to live with his father so he could have a better education in 2002. She was also attracted by the delights of Spanish cuisine. Her grandfather was Spanish, and she had a love for cooking but no formal training.
To earn a living, she started washing dishes in El Club Allard restaurant. One-Michelin-star chef Diego Guerrero gave her a break when he turned her into his right hand-person at the restaurant in 2006. When he left in October 2013, she remained in charge of the Mediterranean restaurant. She is now the only woman chef with two stars in the very competitive Madrid restaurant world.
Guerrero led the restaurant to win its first Michelin star. He is a disciple of chef Martin Berasategui, who has opened two restaurants in Punta Cana, the Passion by Martin Berasategui at Paradisus Palma Real (a AAA Four Diamond Rating).
http://acento.com.do/2015/actualidad/8213984-maria-marte-una-cenicienta-con-dos-estrellas-michelin/
http://maridajegourmetymas.com/estrellas-michelin-maria-marte/
http://accionycomunicacion.com/el-club-allard-apuesta-por-maria-marte/
http://www.elcorreo.com/bizkaia/sociedad/201411/26/fregar-platos-estrellas-michelin-20141126120302.html