PEAKLIFE

Always have the highest expectation of your own self, believes culinary wizard Maria Goretti.

She is simply unstoppable. Maria Goretti’s twitter handle reads (in this order) ZZ’s keeper (she’s mommy to Zeke Zidaan and Zene Zoe), television host, chef, advanced PADI diver, ½ marathoner, mountain climber and cookbook author.

The incurable foodie has found her calling in being a chef. Back from Paris (after wrapping up an intensive patisserie course at Le Cordon Bleu), Maria is now a pro at whipping up the delectable Charlotte amongst an unending list of slurp-worthy goodies. She has upgraded her culinary skills further in London and is still in yum pursuit as we catch her in the throes of an eggless cookery session. Yet former VJ Maria Goretti is anything but breathless.

“Only if you work hard does success flow in,” she says pragmatically. “I believe it is important, to be honest to your own self about your capabilities, to be well equipped to handle any situation in life. Always have all your ducks in a row, then arrange them as and when you need to. My mother was a nurse and worked very hard to bring me and my sister up as my father suffered from brain hemorrhage when I was in the eighth standard. Life has taught me to always put in 200 percent in whatever I have done. Whether it was dancing, Vj-ing, modeling, writing, cooking…The year 2010 was a magical turning point which brought in a renewed sense of confidence in me. I was bringing up the kids all by myself, with Arshad busy with shoot schedules, and that brought in a curious sense of comfort. I am happy following my passion, taking it to another level.”

Is a restaurant in the offing for Chef Maria? “I have no idea, as of now. But I do know that I want to retain the flexibility in the number of hours I invest in any project. I treasure my work-life balance, and leave home in the morning to return in the evening, both in sync with the kids’ time tables.” What’s next? “A book on poetry. Nothing compared to Rumi,” she laughs. “But words from my heart. Never give up, that is my motto in life. This mantra has helped me to find peace and calm in my life. I keep at it, till I realize that I can’t do anymore.”

We follow you Maria. Spread the positive vibes.

(As told to Shilpi Madan)