Sera Cuni

Sera Cuni is a prominent chef and the General Manager at Foster's Market in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. She began her culinary career after being inspired by her family's cooking traditions and her early experiences in the kitchen. Cuni grew up in Connecticut, where she developed a passion for food, eventually leading her to culinary school in Vermont after an injury ended her soccer scholarship at Green Mountain College.12

Cuni joined Foster's Market in 2006 as a chef and kitchen manager, quickly rising to the position of General Manager by 2008. Her tenure at Foster's has significantly influenced her cooking philosophy, emphasizing that "good food doesn’t have to be fancy" and focusing on fresh, seasonal ingredients.124 In 2013, she and her wife, Susan White, purchased and rebranded the café as Café Root Cellar, which operates in Pittsboro, offering a menu that changes weekly based on local produce.123

In addition to her management role, Cuni has gained recognition for her culinary skills through various competitions, including appearances on Food Network shows like "Guy's Grocery Games" and "Supermarket Stakeout," where she won a grand prize for her creative dishes.23 Her commitment to sustainability is evident in initiatives like the Feed-Well Fridges program, which helps reduce food waste while providing meals to those in need in her community.2

Cuni's approach to cooking blends traditional techniques with a modern sensibility, making her a respected figure in the local culinary scene.