Maricel Presilla took the indirect route to becoming a chef: Dr. Presilla used to teach medieval history at New York and Rutgers universities. But in studying anthropology and culture, Maricel found herself specifically drawn to the FOOD of civilization throughout the ages. Foregoing academia for a full-on career as chef and food writer, she soon opened Zafra, a pan-Latin restaurant in Hoboken, New Jersey which has garnered rave reviews for its unique take on Latin American cuisine.