I’m a Rhode Island native, a Johnson & Wales University culinary arts graduate and business owner with over 20 years of experience in the food, restaurant and health & wellness industry.
My mission has been to help those with busy lifestyles to enjoy nutritious and satisfying meals for a happy and healthy life, inside and out. I just love inspiring others to be creative with food; now working with My Chef Lara for more than 4 years.
Having worked in the past with a team of culinarians, caterers & naturopaths, meals and scratch recipes were prepared for various fitness conferences and allergen-friendly functions. Knowledge was gained about gut health, forms of alternative medicine and the importance of nutrition for overall wellness of the body. In my early adulthood, obtaining a license in esthetics allowed me to study and combat many of my own stubborn skin conditions, which grew into a passion for helping others clear their own skin. This furthered my interest, inspiring me to consistently continue my education in these fields. My Dad always told me I’d be a professional student and he was right! Along with alternative wellness strategies, I have been able to help myself and my clients on the road to healing themselves from the inside out.
As a young child, I understood “healthy eating” and paid close attention to the strict diet followed by my diabetic mother. I remember commenting on the portion sizes my grandmother had on her plate. “You have way too much starch on there, Vovo.” My family sitting around the table would laugh, but I was concerned about her portions back then!
My passion for creating tasty, allergen-free meals began when I discovered my own food intolerances. Both intestinal and dermatological issues had become a problem. I merged my diet into my lifestyle. Fresh, whole food. Nothing fake. Nothing processed. How simple!
Even though my change of diet was “simple”, it was a huge trial and error, to say the least. Learning to modify recipes and to cook and bake, according to my diet, and have the food actually taste fantastic, took some time and effort. Through all of this, I’ve discovered that most ingredients can be substituted for something different. Clients sometimes don’t believe me at first when I tell them how their food was prepared. It puts a smile on my face to create a modified dish from my heart, that tastes great, and follows the client’s ingredient preferences.
Our menu selections at My Chef Lara involve all types of cuisine, catering to very particular dietary restrictions, if necessary. Not everyone needs a specified diet; however, we work with your particular specifications to make sure your meals are as tasty as can be!
Aside from being a “gluten-free foodie”, Penney is certified Food Safety Manager in the State of Rhode Island, a member of the United States Personal Chef Association, certified Holistic and Ayurvedic Nutritionist, Licensed Holistic Esthetician, and currently studying for a national certification as a nutritional aesthetics practitioner.
