Carla LEAL

Chef Maria Carla Leal leads the kitchen of the immensely popular El Surf Club, where she showcases her 18 years of experience as well as her passion for gastronomy. Chef Carla has worked in 5-Diamond hotels including the St. Regis Punta Mita, alongside the renowned Chef Sylvain Desbois. There, she directed the various dining establishments of the hotel including Las Marietas, Sea Breeze, and the haute cuisine Carolina restaurant. Currently Chef Carla’s cuisine is characterized as a mixture of Mediterranean style food with a Mexican influence, featuring dishes such as paella, rossejat, and her specialty, Gambas al Ajillo – shrimp sauteed with garlic, olive oil, a touch of sauvignon blanc, and the signature chiles – which combine to ignite the fire of flavor. This dish is highlighted by her popular “salsa brava”, giving it a touch of personal distinction.