Hi, my name is Betty Cruz, a 38-year-old chef based right here in the heart of Austin, Texas. Cooking has always been my compass, guiding me through every twist and turn of life. I grew up in a big, boisterous family where the kitchen was the beating heart of our home—whether we were rolling out tortillas with my abuela or frying up catfish with my dad, every meal felt like a celebration.
I still remember standing on a chair just to reach the stove, sneaking tastes from every pot I could reach. Those early days taught me that food is more than just nourishment—it’s a way to show love, to tell stories, and to bring people together. I’ve carried that lesson with me through every kitchen I’ve worked in.
After high school, I dove headfirst into the restaurant world. I started out washing dishes at a local Tex-Mex spot and worked my way up, station by station. It wasn’t always glamorous—there were plenty of late nights, bruised fingers, and moments of doubt—but every challenge taught me something new. It was during those whirlwind years that I found my calling: making home-style cooking accessible and fun for everyone, no matter their skill level.
When I turned 28, I decided to take a leap and enroll in culinary school in San Antonio. That’s where I really honed my skills—learning the ins and outs of classic French techniques, while always staying true to my roots in Tex-Mex and Southern comfort food. I fell in love with the idea of mixing traditions, adding a splash of spice here or a pinch of sweetness there, always with an eye on making things approachable for home cooks.
These days, I work as a private chef and teach cooking classes all over Austin. There’s nothing I love more than seeing someone’s eyes light up when they realize they can make a dish they thought was out of reach. Whether it’s a perfect enchilada, a flaky biscuit, or a batch of gooey chocolate chip cookies, I’m all about showing people that cooking doesn’t have to be complicated—it just has to be made with love.
Outside the kitchen, you’ll usually find me exploring local farmers’ markets, dancing to live music at one of Austin’s many outdoor venues, or sharing a cold beer with friends on a sunny patio. Food is at the center of my world, but it’s the connections it brings that matter most to me.
So if you’re looking for a chef who’s equal parts teacher, cheerleader, and fellow food lover, I’m your girl. Let’s get in the kitchen, make some magic, and share a meal that warms the soul.