Family Ties with Lela Cross from The Pacific NorthWest

Send us Fan Mail"In today's episode, we delve into Chef Lela's remarkable journey, uncovering the roots of her culinary prowess within her vibrant upbringing among a close-knit family. Discover how her early experiences shaped her palate and ignited a passion for crafting exquisite cuisines. This fervor propelled her into the realms of becoming a Chef, Food and Beverage Director, and Restaurateur, where she honed her skills under the guidance of mentors like Tom Douglas and catered for notable figures like Robert Redford.**Meet Lela Cross**- A seasoned chef, consultant, author, and influential figure in the culinary landscape.- Join Lela as she reflects on nearly four decades of adventures within the food industry.- Explore her cultural heritage, steeped in the traditions of Spanish family gatherings and flavors, shaping her culinary identity.".**Early Connections with Food**- Recalling vivid memories of watching her grandmother make tortillas from scratch as a child in Mexico.- Lela's upbringing surrounded by a plethora of food choices within a large family.- A fusion of Spanish traditional dishes and Southern soul food due to her father's background.**A Culinary Journey Unfolds**- Initially pursuing pre-law in college, Lela discovered her passion for cooking while working at a restaurant.- Her segue into culinary school, her professional ventures across various locations, including Olympia and Washington.- Mentoring experiences with influential figures like Tom Douglas and the journey of owning and managing restaurants.**Navigating the Pandemic and Community Involvement**- Discussing the challenges faced during the pandemic and how Lela coped by staying connected and engaged with her community.- Her deep involvement in supporting local initiatives, working on a farm, and nurturing partnerships within Olympia.**Upcoming Ventures: "Gather" Cookbook & Seattle Distilling**- Lela offers a sneak peek into her upcoming cookbook, "Gather," emphasizing the importance of relationships and shared experiences.- Teasing the launch of a new venture, Seattle Distilling, showcasing a diverse range of spirits like whiskey, rye, brandy, gin, and vodka.**Favorite Ingredients and Culinary Adventures**- Lela's love for working with salmon, grits, and corn, reflecting both childhood memories and creative exploration.- Sharing memorable culinary experiences, including gatherings with families in Costa Rica and the immersive dining scene in Alajuela.**Supporting Lela and Embracing Food Culture**- Lela encourages supporting her upcoming venture and staying tuned for the launch of Seattle Distilling.Connect to Lela: https://www.lelacross.com/Season2 Welcome Chef Steven Leung as our new cohost.IG: themindfulwok Support the showYour support and contributions are vital in sustaining and expanding The Voice4Chefs podcast.Become a monthly supporter:https://www.buzzsprout.com/1432717/supportYour donations aid in amplifying the voices of chefs globally. https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/voice4chefs?locale.x=en_USShare your thoughts! Leave a comment or 5 star review.https://www.voice4chefs.com/reviews/new/Volunteer contact [email protected] with our Culinary Stories:https://linktr.ee/voice4chef