About Me

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Hello! Did you see me on "Snack vs. Chef" on Netflix or "Chopped" on the Food Network? Whatever the case, thank you for stopping by! I grew up loving to cook and eat and tried out many different career paths before finally going to cooking school. I cooked in NYC, SF, Napa Valley, and even France before coming back home to Philly. These days I still cook and eat, professionally and for leisure, do private events, consult and whatever else comes my way that looks fun and challenging . Follow me on IG @claraparkcooks

I believe firmly that everyone can and should know how to cook. I'm also convinced that you will eat better, healthier and more delicious food when you cook for yourself and  save money. I teach all over the city and am on the Advisory Council for The Culinary Literacy Center at The Free Library of Philadelphia and the Advisory Board for The Food Lab at Drexel University. I also participated in the work study program at The Institute of Culinary Education to earn my tuition. Presently, I am the Executive Chef of The Quaker Kitchen, a teaching kitchen, at The University of Pennsylvania. 

*Doing Korean Menu translation for Chefs Anthony Bourdain and Eric Ripert

*Winning Best Burger in Philly for my Bul Gogi Burger at Southgate

*Introducing Michael Pollan at a Free Library of Philadelphia book signing event

*Emerging victorious on The Food Network's "Chopped"

*Having an entire room full of Philly high school students cheer me on after a week of culinary job training.

*Winning over my parents when I cooked a seven course chef's tasting menu for my mom's 60th birthday dinner.

*Developing hundreds of recipes for sauces, marinades, dressings, condiments and soups for the nation's top grocers and then seeing them on store shelves.