November Chef of the Month
In the vibrant culinary scene of SoHo, Manhattan, Amaris has secured the title of DIG's November Chef of the Month, for her keen ability to ‘peel back the layers’. Let's delve into her story—a journey from grandma's kitchen in the Midwest to the sizzle of New York.
Amaris's cooking journey started in Chicago, where the aroma of love filled her grandma's kitchen. Around the age of five or six, she began donning an apron, learning the art of cooking as a family tradition and a way of expressing love. With a chef as an uncle, the culinary genes were strong.
Six years ago, Amaris moved her culinary journey to New York City. And for the last year, Amaris has been an integral part of the DIG crew, growing her team to new heights.
Amaris's recognition to "peel back the layers" is seen most often in her eagerness to ensure her chefs are always at 100%, in the kitchen and out. She knows that a happy and focused team is key to a successful service. As a leader, Amaris aims to be the mentor she wished for during her own climb through kitchen ranks; she envisions a guide who is kind, considerate, and empowering for those under her wing.
In the DIG kitchen, Amaris’ favorite dish to make are Flourless Brownies. Junior, her culinary mentor, will always present feedback and challenges (as she recalls, like from her culinary school days), but Amaris sees it as a necessary spice for growth.
Beyond the kitchen, other mentors like her Regional Leaders, David and Shana, have left their mark. David has taught her the importance of building team bonds, while Shana has guided Amaris with wisdom on how to have courage and grow.
In her personal culinary repertoire, Amaris shines with her Miso Ramen, a dish that demands dedication, lots of preparation, and finesse. But her go-to DIG bowl is simpler, the Vegan Classic DIG, which aligns with her goal towards a plant-based lifestyle. Amaris aims to be fully vegan by the end of 2024.
Amaris wraps up her story with a simple truth: "You gotta go through to get to." Success, she emphasizes, is a journey filled with challenges that, when conquered, lead to triumph.
So, here's to Amaris, the November Chef of the Month, whose culinary journey embodies the heart and soul of a chef cooking not just with skill but with love, passion, and kindness that echoes through her team and her food.