Monday, February 2, 2026

A Chef's Culinary Journey!

 

Plant-Based Nicoise Salad

Beyond its surface simplicity, Mediterranean cuisine is a timeless and thrilling paradox of rustic charm and polished elegance. Forged over thousands of years, this vibrant tradition is a direct conversation with the sun-drenched landscape, where the bounty of each season dictates the palate.

My culinary journey began not in a kitchen, but in the garden. From childhood, I was captivated by the raw, vibrant power of the earth’s bounty, learning to taste the sunshine in a perfectly ripe tomato and smell the richness of high-quality olive oil. This simple, true reverence for fresh ingredients became the bedrock of my culinary soul. 

Now, as a chef, I honor that foundation with refined technique and a rebellious spirit. I fearlessly fuse classic French precision with hearty Italian tradition, lovingly embrace the intertwining of Moroccan and Spanish cuisines —and my personal signature is the bold, savory punch of capers and olives — and why merely steam when you can unleash the rich, caramelized depth of fire-roasted vegetables. 

Post photo: Plant-Based Nicoise Salad (recipe in my upcoming cookbook: Lemon, Love and Lavender).

Happy Cooking!

Chef Ellie Lavender
Plant-based Mediterranean Chef
Culinary & Wine Pairing Instructor
Event Caterer
Lavender Design + Cuisine

 

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