Hi! I'm Chef Lea!

I believe cooking is an act of care. I love creating meals that make people feel seen, celebrated, and comforted. Whether I’m recreating a favorite dish or introducing you to something new, my goal is always the same — to make your day feel a little more special through food.

My heart belongs to handmade pasta. After learning to produce pasta in a professional kitchen, I became captivated by its versatility and comfort. I love creating seasonal pastas that showcase the best ingredients at their peak. I’m equally inspired by bold Thai flavors, the layered spices and breads of Indian cuisine, and the nostalgia of Jewish foods and classic diner fare. My cooking blends exploration and tradition — curiosity balanced with warmth.

I’m originally from Bedford, Massachusetts, and my journey into food began in a dorm kitchen while studying public health. I stored ingredients under my bed and in a mini fridge, cooking out of necessity — and quickly discovering it was what I truly loved. After working in nutrition policy advocacy, I chose to follow that pull toward food. I volunteered on farms in California, cooked in a state park restaurant, and eventually moved to Chicago, where I spent three formative years at Giant in Logan Square developing my craft.

One of my proudest moments was creating my first restaurant menu dish: cappelletti filled with ricotta and mushrooms, paired with spring peas, brown butter, crème fraîche, and a vibrant green sauce. Seeing it recognized by the Michelin Guide was incredibly meaningful. I’ve also hosted a pop-up centered around a soup-salad-sandwich menu, perfecting sourdough focaccia for a smoked trout sandwich with pickled vegetables, labneh, and pistachios — a project that stretched and excited me.

In the kitchen, I love the full sensory experience — the rhythm of movement, the aroma of simmering sauces, the colors on the plate. A mentor once told me that balance is the goal of all good cooking, and that philosophy shapes everything I make.

What I Can Do for You

Create seasonal, produce-driven meals
Craft handmade pasta and comforting classics
Design vibrant, globally inspired menus
Cook thoughtfully for everyday life or meaningful occasions
Bring balance, curiosity, and care into every dish

Cooking for others is how I connect. Every meal I prepare is intentional, flavorful, and made to bring people together.