We had the good fortune of connecting with Amanda DeLaura and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amanda, putting aside the decision to work for yourself, what other decisions were critical to your success?
The grace of other people!! Every opportunity I have been given, every open door, every client booked has been due to someone else saying a word, sharing a thought, inviting a new idea, and spreading my name. I couldn’t be more thankful for the grace of other people.

What should our readers know about your business?
I have the honor every day as a private chef to cook in someone else’s home and kitchen. This is a privilege to say the least. I am given the opportunity to create food that better’s my client’s overall health and wellness. And I am given the ability to create an environment that betters my client’s home. Is it always easy? Absolutely not! I am constantly learning how to pivot last minute, know my client’s needs before they’re expressed and create food that not only looks beautiful, but also tastes amazing and is good for your body and soul. I am eager to approach the culinary arts as a means to curate hospitality and a sense of belonging to those who gather around the table.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
AHHHH! There is so much to visit. After picking up my friend from LAX, I would immediately drive her to Solidarity off of Lincoln Boulevard. It is hands down the best Polish food in Los Angeles. Whether you are happy with your family or just got broken up with, it’s hands down great for any occasion and the best home-style food in LA. It tastes like your grandma’s dishes were all executed by a Michelin star chef. With full stomachs and happy hearts, we’d then continue to drive up the 101 to Santa Barbara and spend a whole weekend wine tasting (Paradise Springs Winery, Margerum Tasting Room, and Grassini Family Vineyards) and hiking. We’d definitely squeeze in a Saturday morning zumba session with the most amazing Josette Tkacik and then feast afterwards at Lucky Penny’s or Mony’s, depending on whether we’re craving pizza or burritos. We’d of course purchase fresh produce from the Santa Barbara Farmer’s Market, which is indeed my favorite in all of Southern California, and make our own fish tacos and passionfruit margaritas. Our weekend adventure would end with a beachfront sunset aperitivo at the Rosewood Miramar.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to credit Ryan Whyte-Buck, Valeska Voiges, Michael Whitehead and Marcia Smart for all taking a chance on me and sharing me with their clients and their worlds. They allowed me to be where I am today. I’d like to recognize my father for supporting me through every decision and my four sisters for knowing me and my instincts so well.

Website: www.amandadelaura.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/chefdelaura

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chefdelaura/

Image Credits
Angela Ferdig

 

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