Odessa, Texas Chef’s Humble Beginnings To Golden Skillet

The Odessa, Texas, food scene is filled with talented chefs spread out throughout the region.  Chef Yvette Hernandez, founder and owner of Mi Cocinita Foodtrailer & Catering, has seen her fair share of success lately.  However, that did not happen overnight.    From humble beginnings, burdened by personal and financial struggles, she has carved out a name for herself through her talent, innovation, and indomitable resilience.

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Humble Beginnings:

Chef Hernandez was raised in modest circumstances and often had to make do with limited resources.  She explained that in the beginning, she used to provide food for the community and would oftentimes operate overnight.  Along the way, she often faced situations where she felt she wanted to quit, but was inspired by her loved ones to keep pushing forward through any and all obstacles.

Representing Odessa On Television:

In May of 2024, after reaching out multiple times, she landed the attention of a segment on the hit TV show The Texas Bucket List that featured her food.  This essentially spread the word about some of the food and innovations she has created, and her popularity grew exponentially.  People flocked from all over the state to want to try some of the concoctions that they saw on television.

The Chef With The Golden Skillet:

In early April 2025, Chef Hernandez competed against 13 other chefs for the prestigious Golden Skillet award from the Chef Showdown competition that was held in Odessa.  She wowed judges with her bold flavors, innovation, and her undying passion for food.  Chef Hernandez won the competition and was able to take home the Golden Skillet.  This victory marks a significant milestone in her career, thus cementing her growing reputation.  In her own words...

"It was never about being the best-- it was about showing up!"  -Chef Yvette Hernandez

Not only is she humble, but she displays a "never give up" mentality, despite others who try and nay-say or tear her down over her success.  All in all, Chef Hernandez is a testament of what is possible when talent meets tenacity.  Not bad for a one-woman show.