Eliza Martin

Eliza Martin, known as Chef Eliza, is the owner and chef at ElizaTheChef, based in Oceanside, California. She has built a diverse culinary career that spans over a decade, focusing on both high-end dining and culinary education.

Background and Education

• Culinary Training: Eliza studied at the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City, where she honed her skills in various culinary disciplines. Her early career included roles at the Rachael Ray Show and Saveur Magazine, which laid a strong foundation for her future endeavors.12
• James Beard Foundation: She was awarded a scholarship from the James Beard Foundation, becoming their first Woman in Culinary Leadership recipient. This opportunity allowed her to work in renowned restaurants across different cuisines, including Creole and Indian.23

Professional Experience

• ElizaTheChef: Since January 2022, Eliza has been the owner and chef of ElizaTheChef, focusing on culinary education for both children and adults. Her mission is to empower individuals to cook for themselves and understand the value of healthy eating.14
• Teaching and Community Engagement: Eliza has also worked as an instructor and events coordinator at Culinary Artistas, where she brought food education to life for various age groups. She currently teaches cooking classes at local schools in Vista and Oceanside, engaging students with hands-on cooking experiences.356

Achievements

• Food Network Champion: In 2020, Eliza gained national recognition as a champion on the Food Network's "Chopped," showcasing her culinary skills on a prominent platform.46
• Community Impact: Eliza emphasizes child-led learning in her classes, encouraging students to explore different cultures through cooking. She aims to make culinary education accessible to those who might not otherwise have such opportunities.35

Vision

Eliza Martin's overarching goal is to inspire the next generation to appreciate cooking and nutrition. She plans to expand her educational efforts further by potentially starting her own foundation dedicated to food education.3