Modern Mexican with MasterChef Claudia Sandoval
March 13, 2026 05:00 PM until March 15, 2026 09:00 PM
In celebration of Women's History Month, internationally recognized and award-winning Chef Claudia Sandoval is coming to Mawa's Kitchen March 13 to 15. In her Aspen debut, Chef Claudia has crafted a unique, multi-course menu showcasing her culinary style—a modern take on Mexican coastal cuisine— which is shaped by her cross-border upbringing and fueled by a passion for telling the stories embedded in every dish.
Reservations are required and available via OpenTable.
Menu in the making, check back soon!
About Chef Claudia
Chef Claudia Sandoval is an award-winning chef, bestselling author, TV host, and executive producer internationally recognized for her modern approach to Mexican cuisine and her deep commitment to community. She launched her career after winning Season 6 of MasterChef U.S., becoming the first Latina to hold the title, and has since built a robust television résumé with appearances on Chopped, Worst Cooks in America, Tournament of Champions, Grudge Match, Easter Basket Challenge, and Top Chef VIP. She has also judged MasterChef Latino (Telemundo) and MasterChef Latinos (Estrella TV).
Beyond the screen, Claudia has produced and hosted the docuseries Taste of the Border (Discovery+) and La Mesa Mexa (Bite Originals). In 2025, she expanded her global impact as a Mentor for Team Mexico at the Bocuse d’Or Competition, the world’s most prestigious culinary contest.
Born in San Diego, California, to a family from Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Claudia learned to cook at a young age from her mother and grandmother. Her culinary style—a modern take on Mexican coastal cuisine—is rooted in her heritage, shaped by her cross-border upbringing, and fueled by a passion for telling the stories embedded in every dish. That ethos shines in her bestselling cookbook Claudia’s Cocina: A Taste of Mexico, which cemented her reputation as one of the leading voices in contemporary Mexican cuisine in the U.S.
Her work has been featured in Forbes, People en Español, and multiple magazine covers, and she’s a frequent guest on The Drew Barrymore Show. Claudia has also been highlighted in the Justice for Migrant Women initiative, further reinforcing her advocacy for social equity, community empowerment, and the visibility of Latina women in all spaces.
Founder of Claudia’s Cocina and creator of the acclaimed pop-up bakery Cochi Dorado, she has partnered with leading global brands and helped raise more than $1 million for nonprofits. Based between San Diego and Tijuana, Claudia continues to champion culture, storytelling, and community through every dish and project she touches.