As part of our Sustenance celebrations this month, we interview Camille Becerra––legendary chef, mama to Paloma and all round magic woman. A New Jersey native, Camille is the director and executive chef at all-day eatery De Maria in Downtown New York City where her food showcases a commitment to wholesome, seasonal and local ingredients.

After studying macrobiotic cuisine and cooking for cancer patients in Philadelphia, Becerra moved to a Zen monastery in New Mexico, where she cooked vegetarian meals for the monks, sourcing ingredients from the on-premises garden. Now, with close to 20 years of restaurant experience, her passion for restaurant culture & kitchen life is a force to be reckoned with.