One of the very first "Remarkable Women" recognized by California First Lady Maria Shriver, Isabel Cruz continues to build a remarkable career as a restaurateur, chef and, recently, author. For over a decade she’s earned acclaim for her signature Latin/Asian fusion style, leading an expanding flotilla of renowned west coast restaurants including her flagship Seaside Cantina (San Diego), The Coffee Cup (La Jolla, CA), Isabel’s Cantina (Pacific Beach, CA), Dragonfly (Ashland, OR) and the soon-to-be opened Isabel’s (Portland’s Upscale Pearl District).

In August, her first book, Isabel’s Cantina: Bold Latin Flavors from the New California Kitchen was released. In it Cruz shares the deceptively simple recipes that make all of her restaurants so popular, as well as many of her own personal favorites. Using boldly flavored ingredients common to both Latin and Asian cuisines – mango, lime, chile, mint, ginger, coconut, cilantro, etc. – she creates meals both healthful and delicious.