Abigail Mendoza: the Oaxacan cook recognized by Discovery Channel

Abigail Mendoza is a renowned Oaxacan cook who has shown the diversity and richness of Mexican food to the world.

Even Anthony Bourdain called her from England to film a chapter of his show at her kitchen in Oaxaca.

Reservation is required to eat at her restaurant Tlamanalli, that means food god in Nahuatl. It is located in Teotitlán del Valle.

Although her passion for mole has made her known around the world, at little more than 50 years Abigail does not feel herself famous or important.

She was going to be a judge on the first season of Master Chef Mexico, but she decided to think it over.

"From what I've seen they need to show more of the really traditional dishes of our country in this program; that should be the main goal," she said.

Abigail, who was one of the promoters to get UNESCO recognize Mexican cuisine as Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2010, was also chosen as one of the ambassadors of the “Celebrating Mexico” project of Discovery Channel.