OUR STORY
Diana Patricia Arizala, a renowned Colombian chef, traced her culinary journey from the shores of Colombia to the lands of Canada, bringing with her the flavor and warmth of her homeland. Born in Colombia, her culinary destiny was forged from a young age, influenced by her father, Mr. Enrique Arizala, a shipowner, where her love for seafood flourished in the ocean breezes.
In the city of Cali, Diana cultivated her passion for cooking by studying bakery and pastry. Over time, her talent led her to open several restaurants in the vibrant Colombian city. However, her adventurous spirit led her to migrate to Ecuador, where she also made her culinary mark, opening Colombian restaurants and sharing the flavors of her adopted land.
In 2007, Diana made the bold decision to move to Canada with her four children, a step that immersed her in the culture and language of her new home. With determination, she began to study English and culinary arts, paving the way for her ascent in the world of Canadian gastronomy.
Her dedication and skills led her to enroll in Red River Culinary Art College, where she excelled with the highest grades. Later, she found an opportunity at a Greek restaurant in Winnipeg, where her excellence as a chef manager did not go unnoticed. Soon, she was recruited by Ponny Corral, a chain of restaurants with multiple locations in the city, where she left an indelible mark with her talent and leadership.
Her trajectory in Colombia cuisine did not go unnoticed in Winnipeg, where she actively participated in cultural events, proudly representing the Colombian pavilion.
Her culinary prowess led her to receive numerous awards, from best management to the creation of the most exquisite desserts and sauces. Over time, she assumed roles of greater responsibility, becoming the driving force behind the kitchen at Folklorama Association, where she prepared food for crowds of up to 10,000 people, standing out for her ability to blend the authenticity of Colombian cuisine with the demand of multicultural events.
In 2014, Diana’s path led her to Toronto, where she immersed herself in the bustling culinary scene of the city. Working in a Colombian restaurant, she perfected her art and gained valuable experience that inspired her to take the next step in her career. She decided to follow her dreams and establish her own restaurant, Esto es Colombia, in 2016.
Since then, she has been delighting diners with the best of Colombian cuisine, sharing the richness of flavors and traditions of her homeland with the Canadian community.
With a decade of success, “Esto es Colombia” has become a meeting point for those seeking an authentic Colombian culinary experience in the heart of Canada.
Diana Patricia Arizala, with her unwavering passion for cooking and commitment to excellence, continues to be a beacon of inspiration for lovers of good food, proving that true flavor transcends borders and cultures.
