Meet the Cook if Ya Team

At Cook if Ya, we are passionate about food and the joy it brings to our lives. Our diverse team of culinary experts and food enthusiasts comes from all corners of the world, each contributing unique flavors, styles, and traditions to our global kitchen. Together, we share a love for cooking and a commitment to making delicious, easy-to-follow recipes accessible to everyone.

Our International Team of Culinary Experts

Luca Moretti – Italian Cuisine Expert

Italy

Luca is our resident expert in Italian cuisine, with a deep love for fresh ingredients, classic pasta dishes, and rustic pizzas. He brings the heart of Italy to Cook if Ya, sharing recipes that highlight the simplicity and elegance of traditional Italian cooking, always paired perfectly with local wines.

Priya Kapoor – Indian Street Food Specialist

India

Priya is the spice queen of Cook if Ya, specializing in vibrant Indian street food and traditional meals. Her recipes are full of bold flavors and colorful spices, bringing the excitement of Indian markets to your home kitchen. She loves to show how simple, everyday meals can be elevated with the right blend of spices.

Amara Diop – African Culinary Explorer

Senegal

Amara brings her deep knowledge of African cuisine to the table, with a focus on the rich and hearty flavors of Senegal. She loves to share slow-cooked dishes like thieboudienne (rice and fish), which reflect the warmth and hospitality of African cooking. Amara’s approach to food is all about creating comforting meals that nourish the soul.

Chloe Watson – Southern Comfort Food Guru

USA

Chloe is the go-to for classic Southern comfort food. From buttery biscuits to crispy fried chicken, Chloe knows how to whip up soul-warming meals that make you feel at home. She also loves hosting outdoor barbecues and picnics, bringing a touch of Southern hospitality to every dish.

Ethan Rodriguez – Farm-to-Table Enthusiast

USA

Ethan’s passion for farm-to-table cooking comes through in every dish he creates. He focuses on fresh, organic, and locally sourced ingredients, crafting seasonal recipes that celebrate the natural flavors of the earth. Based in California, Ethan’s modern approach to cooking is all about sustainability and simplicity.

Rachel Simmons – American Diner Classics Expert

USA

Rachel is all about nostalgic comfort food with a modern twist. She brings the flavors of classic American diners to Cook if Ya, with her takes on burgers, fries, and milkshakes. Rachel’s love for simple, hearty meals brings a bit of retro flair to the table, reminding us all of the joys of classic diner dishes.

Takumi Tanaka – Japanese Cuisine Artist

Japan

Takumi is a master of Japanese cuisine with an eye for detail and precision. His sushi platters, ramen bowls, and kaiseki experiences are culinary works of art. Takumi’s recipes bring the delicate flavors and Zen-like presentation of Japanese food to your kitchen, offering both simplicity and elegance in every bite.

Ana Silva – Brazilian Barbecue Queen

Brazil

Ana is our Brazilian barbecue expert, known for her churrasco techniques and tropical-infused side dishes. Whether it’s a casual weekend cookout or a large festive gathering, Ana brings the vibrant energy of Brazil to every meal, making outdoor cooking an unforgettable experience.

Marta Kowalski – Polish Comfort Food Specialist

Poland

Marta is all about comfort food, specializing in hearty Polish dishes that warm the heart. Her recipes, from pierogi to bigos, are steeped in tradition and family heritage. Marta’s cooking style brings warmth and tradition to your table, with dishes that make any occasion feel special.

Rina Santoso – Indonesian Cuisine Expert

Indonesia
Rina is passionate about the rich and diverse flavors of Indonesian cuisine. From fragrant nasi goreng to spicy rendang, Rina brings Indonesia’s vibrant and bold tastes to the Cook if Ya table. Her recipes are rooted in tradition but accessible to home cooks exploring Southeast Asian flavors.

Somsak Chaiya – Thai Street Food Specialist

Thailand
Somsak is the master of Thai street food, bringing Thailand’s fresh and aromatic flavors to your kitchen. His specialties include tangy som tam (papaya salad), savory pad Thai, and creamy green curry. Somsak’s dishes balance the perfect combination of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy.

Li Wei Zhang – Chinese Culinary Maestro

China
Li Wei is an authentic Chinese cooking expert specializing in regional and classic Chinese dishes. From hand-pulled noodles to delicate dim sum and traditional stir-fries, his culinary expertise showcases the variety of Chinese cuisine. Li Wei’s recipes emphasize simplicity, tradition, and rich, flavorful sauces.

Étienne Dubois – French Cuisine Expert

France
Étienne is our French cuisine specialist who is passionate about elegant, timeless dishes. From rich coq au vin to delicate pastries, Étienne brings the sophistication of French cooking to Cook if Ya, helping you recreate the essence of France in your kitchen.

Alejandro Cruz – Mexican Cuisine Expert

Mexico
Alejandro is a vibrant advocate of traditional Mexican cuisine. From spicy tacos and enchiladas to rich moles and tamales, Alejandro’s dishes celebrate the colorful, bold flavors of Mexico. His recipes bring authentic Mexican street food and home-cooked meals to your table, with a focus on using fresh, flavorful ingredients.

Elena Papadakis – Greek Cuisine Expert

Greece
Elena specializes in traditional Greek cuisine and loves fresh Mediterranean ingredients like olive oil, feta, and herbs. From hearty moussaka to light, refreshing tzatziki, Elena’s recipes bring the flavors of Greece to your kitchen, offering a balance of rustic and elegant Greek dishes.

Nadia Karam – Lebanese Cuisine Specialist

Lebanon
Nadia brings the warmth and depth of Lebanese cuisine to Cook if Ya. From classic mezze spreads like hummus and tabbouleh to rich, flavorful mains like shawarma and kibbeh, her recipes offer a delicious journey through the flavors of Lebanon, emphasizing fresh herbs, spices, and aromatic ingredients.

Carlos Mendez – Spanish Cuisine Expert

Spain
Carlos is an expert in traditional Spanish cuisine. From the rich flavors of paella and tapas to the bold, savory dishes of Spain’s various regions, Carlos brings the spirit of Spain to your table. His recipes showcase the vibrant colors and fresh ingredients that are the hallmark of Spanish cooking.

Mai Nguyen – Vietnamese Cuisine Expert

Vietnam
Mai is a passionate chef specializing in Vietnamese cuisine. From fragrant pho to fresh spring rolls and banh mi, Mai’s dishes showcase the balance of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy that defines Vietnamese cooking. Her recipes emphasize fresh herbs, flavorful broths, and the light, vibrant ingredients that make Vietnamese food so special.

Ji-hoon Park – Korean Cuisine Expert

South Korea
Ji-hoon is a skilled chef specializing in traditional and modern Korean cuisine. From savory bulgogi and kimchi to hearty stews and sizzling bibimbap, Ji-hoon’s recipes bring Korea’s bold, spicy, and umami-rich flavors to your kitchen. He focuses on authentic techniques and fresh ingredients that make Korean food so vibrant and flavorful.

Alem Tesfaye – Ethiopian Cuisine Expert

Ethiopia
Alem is our Ethiopian cuisine specialist, bringing Ethiopia’s bold, aromatic flavors to Cook if Ya. From the spicy, earthy flavors of doro wat to the fragrant, spongy injera, Alem’s recipes showcase Ethiopian cuisine’s unique and flavorful dishes. His cooking emphasizes the communal nature of Ethiopian meals, perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Ingrid Müller – International Breakfast Dishes

Germany
Ingrid specializes in breakfast dishes from around the globe. From hearty German breakfasts to delicate French pastries and Japanese tamago-yaki, she’s passionate about starting the day with diverse and flavorful meals.

Zara Patel – Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine

India
Zara is an expert in vegetarian and vegan cuisine, focusing on nutritious, plant-based dishes. Her Indian heritage influences her use of spices and legumes, but she also brings global twists to create balanced, flavorful vegetarian and vegan meals.

Marco Santini – Seafood Specialties

Italy
Marco is a seafood lover, especially renowned for his Mediterranean-inspired dishes. From delicate seafood pasta to fresh oysters and grilled fish, Marco’s expertise highlights the sea’s bounty.

Emilia Fontaine – Baking and Pastry

France
Emilia, a French pastry chef, is known for her mastery of classic French pastries like croissants, éclairs, and macarons. Her love for baking extends to cakes, breads, and desserts worldwide.

Tomás Rivera –One-Pot Wonders

Spain
Tomás specializes in creating hearty, flavorful one-pot meals. His recipes, from traditional Spanish paella to stews and casseroles, are all about simplicity, comfort, and bringing big flavors with minimal cleanup.

Lina Sato – Global Soup Tour

Japan
Lina has traveled the world exploring soup traditions, from Japanese miso soup to hearty Russian borscht and Vietnamese pho. Her focus is on exploring comforting and nourishing soups from different cultures.

Felix Becker – Unusual Cooking Methods

Germany
Felix is an expert in innovative cooking techniques, from sous vide to molecular gastronomy. He’s all about pushing the boundaries of traditional cooking methods and making them accessible for home cooks.

Gabriela Ortiz – Homemade Condiments and Sauces

Mexico
Gabriela crafts homemade condiments and sauces, from rich mole sauces to fresh salsas and marinades. Her recipes focus on enhancing dishes with homemade, flavorful accompaniments.

Rebecca Shaw – Food Science and Cooking

USA
Rebecca specializes in the science behind cooking techniques. She helps home cooks understand how ingredients interact and how to use this knowledge to improve their dishes.

Charlotte Evans – Historical Cooking

UK
Charlotte is a historian with a passion for historical cooking methods and recipes. She brings the past to life by recreating dishes from different historical periods and cultures, from medieval banquets to Victorian-era feasts.

Samantha Kim – Cooking for Special Diets

USA
Samantha specializes in creating delicious meals for those with dietary restrictions, including gluten-free, dairy-free, keto, and low-FODMAP diets. Her focus is on making special diets accessible and enjoyable.

Oliver Bennett – Beverage Deep Dives

UK
Oliver is a beverage connoisseur with expertise in everything from craft cocktails to artisanal coffee and tea. He focuses on exploring the history, flavors, and techniques behind both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Nina Torres – Kitchen Hacks and Tips

USA
Nina is a pro when it comes to simplifying kitchen tasks. Her practical tips and tricks help home cooks save time, reduce waste, and make the most out of their ingredients and kitchen tools.

Diego Alvarez – Fusion Cuisine Specialist

Global
Diego is a culinary innovator known for blending flavors and techniques from different cuisines to create exciting, fusion-inspired dishes. His recipes are all about creativity and pushing the boundaries of traditional cooking.

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Join Us on a Global Culinary Journey

Together, our team is here to help you explore the world’s flavors and inspire you to cook confidently. From easy weeknight dinners to elaborate weekend feasts, we offer a range of recipes, tips, and inspiration to suit every cook. Wherever you are, whatever you love to cook, we’re excited to share our passion for food with you!