Blind chef cooks comfort food classics in Chicago

Martinez knew that in order to cook professionally, she would likely have to open a restaurant of her own. Yet her decision was ultimately influenced by her love of her career.

“Of course, it’s my passion more than anything,” she said.

Martinez, who describes La Diosa’s cuisine as “contemporary French, Mexican and Italian,” always knew that she would one day open a restaurant, “But not so soon. I thought maybe it would take a few years.”

The chef works alongside her husband, Maurilio, and mother, Josephina.

The menu includes a variety of comfort food classics including meatloaf, croque monsieur and chicken soup, and desserts such as pecan flan and cheesecake.