Beginning this feels like an interview or first date. Where do you want me to start?
My name is Ana Sofía; I am a cook, actress, and content creator living in Los Angeles. I moved here when I was 17 years old to study acting at the University of Southern California’s School of Dramatic Arts. Go Trojans!
I grew up with six other siblings, 3 brothers and 3 sisters. My mother, the heart and soul of my family, is who taught me how to cook.
She was born and raised in Cartago, Costa Rica, where she was taught to cook by her mother. Although there’s no professional culinary background in my family, I was raised surrounded by strong women—my mom, abuela, and tías—who cooked some of the most delicious food I’ve ever had.
My passion for cooking was born through them, inspired by the dishes my mom made for us and dishes I tried around Costa Rica.
It wasn’t until I moved to Los Angeles that my love for cooking became a bit of an obsession. My mentor introduced me to my first Michelin star restaurant, and it changed my perspective on what cooking could be. I had never seen such attention to detail, never seen so many ingredients in my life used in such inventive ways.
But it wasn’t just the fine dining, Los Angeles introduced me to an incredible range of food experiences. It was my first time trying Thai food, first time eating bone marrow, first introduction to Japanese cooking, first taste of gochujang – the list is endless.
Every opportunity I had, I wanted an experience that, in my head, was like this scene in Ratatouille.
I got to try foods with flavors, textures, and aromas I’d never experienced. And I wanted to learn everything I possibly could.
My sophomore year of college, 2017, marked the year I had my first kitchen. I shared it with three other roommates— luckily, some of my best friends. I cooked almost every meal the rest of college – spending countless hours researching recipes, watching YouTube videos, practicing, reading menus and cookbooks, learning as much as I could.
And… well, now we’re here. The love for cooking never stopped.
I’m excited to share Behind the Apron with you to serve as a digital space for my recipes, cooking, projects, passions, and the stories that intertwine them.
Behind the Apron represents more than just cooking—it’s about the stories, creativity, and life that unfold in my kitchen and beyond.
In the kitchen: You’ll find my detailed recipes—from traditional dishes to modern and inventive ones that will fit every mood and every schedule.
On the road: I’ll take you behind the scenes of my travels, sharing my favorite restaurants, food discoveries, and the experiences that inspire my cooking.
And beyond: This will serve as a space for my other projects as well, some in the kitchen and some outside of it.
There will be posts weekly, containing recipes, cooking videos, kitchen tips, hacks, and more!
📬 Subscribe now to join me on this adventure. Let's get cooking!
Hhhmm...I liked to Cook from the beginning I had my own kitchen. Pasta & Asian were and are one of my favorites kitchen/ flavours. My first book was a mix between Asian and western cultures. Still used it :)
Follow u passion is the sort answer.
Question.. which cooking books would you recommend for someone starting out in the kitchen?