About the chef

My passion for cooking started when I moved to New York after graduating from Boston University with a Fine Arts degree in painting. I began working with catering companies to supplement my income as a freelance illustrator…and the seed of my fascination with cuisine was planted. When catering, I loved the satisfaction of seeing beautiful meals shared and enjoyed. Although my obsession with creating good food continued to grow, I pursued my creative talents as an art director for the next dozen years.

In 2003, I plunged into the culinary world, studying and completing my professional training at the Institute of Culinary Education (ICE) while still freelancing as a graphic artist. I had the opportunity to work at Aureole for my externship, which was an enriching experience. I then spent a year cooking at Cafe 2 at MoMA, where I became immersed in the delights of rustic Italian cuisine.

Growing up in a Greek home exposed me to a Mediterranean cuisine that I love and favor today. My mother makes an exquisite spanakopita, the highlight of family gatherings.  Although I thrive on incorporating the nuances of garlic, olive oil, lemon and oregano into my cooking, I am also inspired by Indian and Thai cuisines and look forward to sharing my developing spice palette with my clients.

Becoming a personal chef has allowed me to pursue my passion for cooking while continuing to discover different cuisines and techniques. It is my mission as a chef to help people eat healthier—to plan and create homemade, seasonal meals, filled with flavor.

Giving busy families, active professionals and athletes an alternative to over-processed food is what makes me happy. I look forward to sharing my love of good food and creativity with you.

Sincerely,
Tina Malonis