Maria Diaz & Liz Strimpfel

November 2026 Issue
Forks, Corks & Confetti 2026

Photography (top) by
Lindsay Pettinicchi Photography, LLC

Maria Diaz (Mother) & Liz Strimpfel (Daughter)

Current Residences: Bluffton
Maria's Hometown: Jalisco, Mexico | Liz's Hometown: Fontana, California
Maria's Family: Husband, Andres Diaz, Daughters, Elizabeth Strimpfel, Ariana & Vanessa Diaz; Grandson, Noah Strimpfel
Liz's Family: Husband, Bo Strimpfel; Son, Noah; Parents, Maria & Andres Diaz; Sisters, Ariana & Vanessa
Careers: Owner and Manager of Fiesta Fresh Mexican Grill, 51 New Orleans Rd, HHI

What does great hospitality mean to you?
Maria: Great hospitality simply means being fully present and attentive. My ultimate goal is always to make guests feel completely at ease, as if they are stepping into their own home the moment they walk through our doors.

Liz: To me, great hospitality begins the exact moment someone walks into the restaurant. It means greeting every guest with a genuine smile and an open invitation to feel completely at home. I want to ensure a positive experience from start to finish, transforming everyday customer service into a warm environment where our guests truly feel like family. I want to get to know my guests and have them know me!

Maria, what’s one moment in your career that made you think, “This is exactly why I do this”?
That moment happens every time a simple guest interaction turns into a lasting personal relationship. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing a guest return because they felt genuinely cared for. It’s also seeing our guests grow up over the years. We have guests who first came in as young children who are now returning as adults, getting married and out-of-town families who make us their very first stop the moment they arrive. Watching generations of families make us a part of their traditions is exactly why I do this.

Liz, what’s one little luxury you refuse to live without?
I refuse to live without getting manicures and pedicures. It’s one of those simple pleasures that makes me feel good and gives me a chance to slow down and focus on myself. I love having that time to sit back, relax, and be pampered. Self-care is so important because often we spend so much of our time taking care of others, managing responsibilities, and making sure everyone else is taken care of, we sometimes forget to pour into ourselves.

Maria, what meal instantly takes you back to your childhood?
Pollo en crema! It’s a delicious, creamy chicken dish sautéed with poblanos, onions, and special spices. I grew up on a small family farm, so this dish reminds me of gathering fresh chicken, vegetables, and milk straight from the source, always accompanied by warm, homemade tortillas. For dessert, my mother would make arroz con leche, a sweet and sticky rice treat. I love making this entire meal at home now, so my daughters can experience a true taste of our family’s traditions.

Maria, what are you currently obsessed with outside of work?
I am completely obsessed with my 20-month-old grandson, Noah! After raising three daughters, having a little boy in the family has been a whole new, wonderful adventure! I’m lucky enough to spend every single morning with him. His favorite place is outside getting fresh air and running all around. We have a beautiful routine of going on daily walks and spending most of our time outside playing soccer.

Maria & Liz, what’s your favorite holiday, and are you usually the host or the one who just shows up hungry?
Liz: My favorite holiday has to be Christmas! I love everything about the season, from decorating our home inside and out, to taking golf cart rides around the neighborhood to admire everyone’s decorations. There’s just something so special about the magic and joy of Christmas.

This year, I’m especially excited to continue building traditions with my son, Noah, who will be almost two years old. I can’t wait to watch him open presents, experience the excitement of the season, and make special memories together as a family. Seeing Christmas through his eyes will make this year even more meaningful. As far as hosting goes, my husband and I are happy to leave that to our parents! But we never show up empty-handed. We always bring homemade pies to share!

Maria: I love Christmas, and I am proudly the host. Our celebration starts with the whole family gathering for dinner and attending Christmas Eve mass. I love opening up my home and cooking a traditional Mexican feast, with homemade tamales, warm champurrado (a rich, spiced Mexican hot chocolate), and comforting ponche caliente. The magic continues Christmas morning when everyone comes right back over to open gifts and watch a classic Christmas movie together.

Liz, What is something you’d love to tell the world and it stick?
Choose kindness! In a world that is constantly changing and often feels overwhelming, I believe it’s more important than ever to lead with kindness and compassion. We can get so caught up in our own lives, responsibilities, and struggles that we sometimes forget everyone around us is fighting battles we know nothing about. Some way bigger than the ones we are battling! Never underestimate the power of a simple smile or some kind words. You never know how far an act of kindness can go!

Maria, What’s Your favorite drink? Can we have the recipe? LOL!
I love a traditional margarita with a salted rim, made especially by my husband! He makes it for me with fresh-squeezed limes, which makes all the difference and is so much better than a mix!

Andres’s Traditional Margarita
1 shot of Grand Marnier
1 shot of Centenario Añejo tequila
Juice of 2 fresh limes
¼ shot of Agave syrup
A splash of Water
Ice
Salt for the rim

Directions: Salt the rim of your favorite glass. To a shaker filled with ice, add Grand Marnier, tequila, lime juice, agave syrup, and a splash of water. Shake until nice and chilled, pour into your prepared glass, and enjoy—simple, fresh, and delicious!