Andrea at Your Table Personal Chef

Born and raised in Syracuse, NY, I began cooking in my grandmother’s kitchen. Since I was 7 years old, I would stay over at her house and assist her with cooking in any way I could. She is Italian, and although she did not speak it, she sure could cook. Ranging from huge pillow-like raviolis to steaks on the grill, any meal was a success! It was from then on I knew that I was destined to cook! Growing up, I worked part-time in local restaurants and at Wegmans Food and Pharmacy for 10 years in their various food departments. I attended college to be a Physician Assistant, but it took me awhile to figure out that I needed to pursue my “passions” in life. After earning my degree, I finally decided to move away from snow country to sunny San Diego and have worked the last 10 years in a Cardiology office treating patients, some of whose diseases have been exacerbated by poor dietary habits. Although a rewarding career, it has not been my true love. I decided to attend culinary school at San Diego Culinary Institute. It was the best decision I ever made. It was there that I received the best culinary education from leading Chefs from around the world. While at school, I attended culinary competitions in Las Vegas and San Francisco learning from various chefs from around the country. After graduation, I completed my externship at Savory in Encinitas under Chef Pascal Vignau. Upon completion of the program, I was awarded the prestigious Harold Meyberg award for culinary excellence. I have volunteered at several cooking schools in San Diego including Barbeques Galore, Macys, and Great News and also assist local chefs with private functions and events in the area. I currently teach private and group cooking lessons and cater small venues. I recently won a competition on The Food Network resulting in filming an episode of “Grill It with Bobby Flay”, Season 2 which aired August 2009. I was also recently chosen to compete on the SDCI culinary team in 2009-2010 around the country at various savory competitions. In addition to cooking, I love to read, try new restaurants, salsa dance, and travel.