Today we’d like to introduce you to Daniela Perez-Reyes.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I was raised in Peru and grew up eating amazing organic food. When I moved to the U.S. to go to college, I started cooking for myself. Friends and family complimented my meals, and cooking came naturally to me. I felt motivated to transfer from fine arts to the culinary arts. I’ve worked in the restaurant business since my early twenties and served and bartended my way through culinary school. I did great in culinary school and love the thrill of it, proving everybody wrong about being a small girl in the kitchen. Then, I went to Le Cordon Bleu in Peru to reconnect with my culture through our cuisine. After working with talented chefs, and renown restaurants and hotels, I finally decided to open my own catering business which continues to grow. At Lazy Acres (Encinitas), one of my biggest clients, I get to teach and display the ultimate expression of this beautiful art by preparing amazing recipes, utilizing unique top-of-the-line organic products. I am also a private chef and cater many events.
Please tell us about your art.
I’m a culinary artist. I graduated from the International Culinary School at the Art Institute. I worked hard, late nights, and started school early. It wasn’t easy, but I channeled my creativity into the culinary world. It felt natural for me. I loved cooking, creating flavors, but mostly, I love plating. The white plate shines like a canvas to me and I can’t wait to make the magic happen. It’s so rewarding to feed people, to share your culture and experience through food. Landing in this field, I also had to face the other side of the restaurant world that includes wasteful and unhealthy practices. I’m happy to able to be leading the change to better practices. These days I get to teach about sustainably, seasonality and proper product purchasing and handling. Raising the bar as far as restaurants’ ecological and health standards is my goal and I feel I’ve finally made that message come through.
As an artist, how do you define success and what quality or characteristic do you feel is essential to success as an artist?
Success to me is to enjoy what you do and to be able to make a living out of it as well. Passing on knowledge because there is a demand for your opinion and talent. To go to sleep peacefully knowing you are pursuing your dreams and you are giving it your 300% (even though everybody told you, you couldn’t do it). Knowing that you love what you do because you can’t get enough of it. I can dive into hours of work and love every single minute — though maybe not every single second… Success is being able to express yourself freely and getting pay for it. However, hard work, consistency, dedication, and determination are key components to the equation.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
If you want to come takes my cooking class, I’m at Lazy Acres in Encinitas. If you are trying to book a wedding, you can find me in wedding wire as Mara Bleu Catering. For any other culinary or dietary needs, you can send me an email. My Instagram is @marableu
Contact Info:
- Address: Lazy Acres Encinitas
Moon Light Room - Website: https://m.weddingwire.com/MaraBleu
- Phone: 7034017635
- Email: daniela@marableu.com
- Instagram: @marableu
- Facebook: Mara Bleu by Daniela
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Image Credit:
@bohiti
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