Biography

I was born in Barranca, Peru. Raised in a Chinese Peruvian family rooted in farming, fishing and cooking. Growing up in Peru I remember exploring the local mountains to harvest wild fruits and vegetables, fishing from steep sea cliffs to make ceviche, and eating Chifa cuisine in my grandfather's family restaurant. This early exposure to ingredients and cooking became the foundation of my culinary career. In addition, the qualities embedded in family farming and fishing provided key tools to help me in life - patience, perseverance, and passion.

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I moved to NYC and attended the Cooper Union School of Fine Arts. Years later I enrolled in The Institute of Culinary Education to pursue a career in restaurants. During these years of creative immersion I discovered how to express my ideas through art. In the same way I draw, paint, and create sculptures, I now use food ingredients to communicate stories.

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I began my food styling career at Food Network where I was the Senior Food Stylist from 2003 to 2013, working alongside foundational TV chefs like Emeril, Bobby, Rachael, Guy, Morimoto and many more. Currently I freelance on select foodcentric projects that both challenge and expand my creative skills.

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