In 2004 she was labeled one of seven individuals that helped redefined the American culinary landscape since the last half of the twentieth century by the U.S. State Department's online publication E-Journal USA: U.S. Society & Values.
[citation needed] From 2004-2007 The Zarela Casa line of soft goods (tablecloths, place mats napkins, shower curtains, towels and other bath items, pillows) inspired by traditional Mexican textile designs were on sale at Walmart stores around the country.
Co-hosted with her son, Chef Aarón Sánchez, the show explores the food, flavors, and history of Mexico through lively conversations with their guests.
In 2021, "In a Taste for Life with Zarela¨, she shares her inspirational "building blocks" for living well with Parkinson's disease (PD) and for healthy and delicious eating.
Her son Aarón Sánchez is the co-star of the television shows Chopped, Heat Seekers and guest chef at MasterChef season 7 and the chef/owner of the restaurant Johnny Sanchez, in New Orleans, Louisiana.