Tools They Use: BOCA Tacos Chef Maria Mazon


August 30, 2016
a man wearing a hat
By Jackie Tran
By Jackie Tran

Tools They Use is a new series that takes a peek at local food artisans, such as chefs, bakers, brewers, and more, with a simple photo displaying signature items and favorite tools.

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Chef Maria Mazon's tools at BOCA Tacos y Tequila (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Chef Maria Mazon’s tools at BOCA Tacos y Tequila (Credit: Jackie Tran)

Butane Fuel Canister & Blowtorch Head

Although Mazon doesn’t use a torch much at BOCA, it’s a favorite for outside of the kitchen when a char or brulee is called for.

Leather Knife Roll

This leather knife roll was a gift from Mazon’s love, Lily. Mazon’s initials are branded into the strap. Its contents include other kitchen essentials such as an offset spatula and a fish spatula.

“I take this whenever I go to events,” said Mazon.

Chalk Marker

This writing utensil of choice for various surfaces, dries in seconds, and cleans easily with water.

“I like using this instead of normal markers to write everywhere.”

Hammer Stahl 7.5″ Santoku Knife

The ridges of the Hammer Stahl 7.5″ Santoku knife help prevent slices from sticking to the blade. The full tang helps provide a balanced weight distribution.

Plating Tweezers

The precise tool helps with off-the-menu creations by handling smaller garnishes such as micro-cilantro. It also helps pluck fish bones.

Maggi Jugo Sazonador

The Mexican version of this seasoning sauce provides deeper umami flavors.

“It gives a little extra something-something.”

Chef’s Jacket

“Sonora” and “Arizona” are embroidered on the collar, while “Executive Chef Maria J. Mazon Boca Tacos y Tequila” is embroidered on the chest.

Yavaros Sal

The coarse crystals of this salt add texture when used as a finishing touch.

“I’ve been using this salt since the beginning. You can only get it in Mexico, so I take some back whenever I visit.”

Vitamix Blender

The Vitamix Blender is a powerful workhouse that allows Mazon to create the salsas that are the heart of BOCA. It’s where playful combinations like chipotle and peanut butter or orange and hoisin are blended into a smooth salsa. “It’s the best.”

Chef and owner Maria Mazon at BOCA Tacos y Tequila (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Chef and owner Maria Mazon at BOCA Tacos y Tequila (Credit: Jackie Tran)

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Article By

Jackie Tran is a Tucson-based food writer, photographer, culinary educator, and owner-chef of the food truck Tran’s Fats. Although he is best known locally for his work for Tucson Foodie, his work has also appeared in publications such as Bon...

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