Conversations with Lupita Rios-casillas

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lupita Rios-casillas

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
After high school, I wanted to pursue something I loved that offered room for growth, so I chose culinary arts and business management. It was the perfect combination to blend my passion for cooking with the skills needed to run a successful business in the food industry. Growing up, I was always in the kitchen with my mom. Those moments spent baking cookies, preparing family meals, and experimenting with new recipes sparked my love for cooking. It was not just about making food but about creating memories and learning the joy of sharing meals with family. Those experiences shaped my passion for culinary arts and inspired me to turn that passion into a career. I am one of nine siblings from a Mexican-American household. Being in such a large family meant that there was always a lot of activity in the kitchen. We often gathered around the table for meals, which were a big part of our culture. These experiences not only strengthened my bond with my family but also deepened my appreciation for traditional recipes and the importance of cooking together. It has all contributed to my desire to pursue a career in culinary arts. My parents always taught me to work for what I wanted, instilling a strong work ethic in me from a young age. I took that lesson to heart and put in the effort to hone my skills and pursue my passion. After years of dedication and hard work, I was thrilled to land my dream job in the culinary field, where I could combine my love for cooking with my desire to succeed in a professional environment. It felt like a rewarding culmination of everything I had worked for.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road of a private chef has its challenges. Every day presents new demands, whether it’s accommodating dietary preferences, managing schedules, or creating unique menus for clients. However, these challenges also provide valuable opportunities for growth and creativity. Navigating them has made me more adaptable and has deepened my passion for the culinary arts. Despite the hurdles, the rewards of bringing joy to others through food make it all worthwhile. Being a private chef for the past 13 years has allowed me to explore my creativity in the kitchen while also getting to know my clients and their tastes. Each day brings new challenges and opportunities to create unique dishes tailored to individual preferences, and I truly enjoy the personal connections I make through my cooking. It’s rewarding to see how my culinary skills can enhance people’s dining experiences, whether it’s for a special occasion or just an everyday meal. Every family I have cooked for has taught me so much, and it has truly been a pleasure. Each household brings its unique traditions, flavors, and stories to the table, enriching my culinary journey. I’ve learned to adapt my skills to suit different tastes and preferences, which has only expanded my creativity in the kitchen. Building connections and sharing those moments over a meal has made my experience as a private chef incredibly fulfilling. It’s amazing how food can bring people together and create lasting memories.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As a private chef, I’ve always embraced the idea of using fresh, seasonal ingredients in my dishes. Growing a small garden specifically for my clients allows me to cultivate herbs, vegetables, and even some fruits that can be incorporated directly into the meals I prepare. Having my own garden not only ensures that the ingredients are as fresh as possible, but it also enhances the flavors of my dishes. There’s something incredibly rewarding about harvesting vegetables or herbs and then transforming them into a beautiful, delicious meal. It connects me even more to the food I prepare and adds a personal touch to my culinary offerings.I’ve found that clients appreciate the effort and care that goes into using homegrown produce. It’s a conversation starter at the dining table, and many of my clients love to hear about the different plants I’m growing and how they can be featured in upcoming meals. This also opens up a chance to engage them in the process, whether it’s inviting them to pick fresh thyme for their dish or sharing tips on how to season with herbs from the garden. I get to experiment with unique flavor combinations and offer my clients seasonal dishes that reflect the bounty of each harvest. It’s not just about feeding them; it’s about creating an experience that celebrates fresh, vibrant ingredients and the joy of cooking together. Being a Chef my primary focus is on making my clients happy through delicious and tailored dining experiences. I take pride in crafting meals that not only taste amazing but also bring joy to the table. By understanding their preferences and dietary needs, I can create custom menus that delight their palates. I take great pride in being able to make my clients happy through the meals I prepare. It’s incredibly fulfilling to create dining experiences that not only satisfy their taste buds but also bring joy and warmth to their gatherings. Understanding their unique preferences and dietary needs allows me to craft custom menus that truly delight them. Whether it’s for a special milestone or a cozy night in, my aim is to provide exceptional service and create memorable moments that my clients will treasure. While many chefs might emphasize technical skills or culinary trends, I prioritize creating personalized dining experiences tailored to each individual’s preferences and dietary needs. I take the time to understand what my clients enjoy and aim to craft meals that not only taste incredible but also evoke joy and connection at the table.

What’s next?
I am currently on maternity leave, and if motherhood has taught me anything, it’s to embrace change. This new chapter in my life has brought unexpected challenges and joys, and it has shifted my perspective. Balancing my roles as a chef and a new parent has required adaptability, and I’ve learned to appreciate the beauty in each moment, even when things don’t go as planned. While on maternity leave, I ventured into farmers’ markets and started Emme Eats. It’s been a wonderful opportunity to share my passion for baking, especially focusing on baked goods from my culture. I love creating traditional recipes that not only evoke fond memories but also introduce others to the flavors of my heritage. It’s been incredibly rewarding to connect with the community, and I enjoy hearing the stories and experiences of those who try my creations. Emme Eats has become a beautiful extension of my culinary journey, and I look forward to growing it even more. Emme Eats has a lot of events coming up, and I hope my baked goods can bring some sweetness into everyone’s life. I’m excited to showcase the flavors and traditions I hold dear while also creating new connections with people through food. It’s a joy to see others enjoy what I create, and I look forward to sharing my passion at these events. Gaining new clients as a chef has been an exciting journey. I focus on building relationships through referrals and showcasing my work at events. Each client brings unique tastes, allowing me to expand my culinary creativity. Providing exceptional service encourages clients to share their experiences, helping my clientele grow. I’m thrilled about the potential for Emme Eats and future collaborations! I’m excited about the growth of Emme Eats, and my ultimate goal has always been to open a restaurant. Building this venture has been a rewarding journey, and each step brings me closer to that dream. I envision creating a space where guests can enjoy not just delicious meals, but also a warm and inviting atmosphere. I want to continue crafting personalized dining experiences while expanding the reach of Emme Eats, ultimately transforming it into a celebrated restaurant that brings people together and creates lasting memories over great food.

Pricing:

• private chef
• client dinners
• special events
• markets

Contact Info:

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