CHULA VISTA, Calif. — The highly anticipated Mujer Divina Brunch Cafe in Chula Vista is now open.
Michelin-recognized Priscilla Curiel's latest project is nestled in alongside Mujer Divina, the grab-and-go burrito and coffee shop that's become a standout on the north end of downtown Third Avenue.
The flavors South Bay foodies have come to know from Curiel are alive on the menu, but she tells CBS 8 this project is different from her previous work.
"I'm finally cooking what I really like and what fills my heart," she told CBS 8. This is the happiest I've been in my 20-year kitchen career."
The Tijuana-born chef is infusing Mexican roots with European flavors.
The recipes come straight from her heart and soul, she said. Fans of savory, sweet or spicy will find something that fills them. A few of the items already gaining popularity are the chilaquiles, quesadillas de rajas con crema, the orange carrot pancakes along with her Mediterranean twist on lox and toast.
She said the Brunch Cafe has brought the artistry back to her life's work.
"I'm finally taking pictures of the dishes, I got back to writing poetic captions to my dishes," she said. "I can share it through my most honest side."
But it hasn't been an easy journey.
Curiel put herself on the map through Tuetano Taqueria, a beloved birria shop known for its bone marrow that moved from San Ysidro to Old Town and finally to Chula Vista next to the Mujer Divina. Curiel tells CBS 8 the taqueria won't reopen — but the mother of three says she's okay with that.
"Tuetano took many years of my kids childhoods," she said. "I don't regret it, but I wish I could hold them again as newborns. I'm not making the same mistakes. I was making them again in Chula Vista and I wasn't happy."
The Brunch Cafe allows her to cook what she loves most on a schedule that helps her spend time with who she loves most.
"I've created the life I've wanted and designed it to work early and get off early because the most important thing for me is my children," she said. "Being a mom and doing what you love is a blessing. I get to make the time to be good at both."
Mujer Divina Brunch Cafe will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 214 3rd Avenue, Chula Vista, CA 91910.