CHEF ACI LANDA
OUR TEAM
Since moving to the US in 2001, Aci has been dedicated to her career development through extended Cooking and Home Economy education, along with self-learning resources such as Cook Illustrated Magazine, FoodDesigns.net, Food Photography Conventions, advising and participation in food stylist blogs. Her private food image collections keep her style defined as fresh, conceptual, modern and casual, best suited to serve today's commercial needs.
Aci's etiquette, attitude, and creativity is sure to exceed expectations.
https://www.chefmydate.com/
https://foodthatlooksgood.com/
I started Inner Garden as a way for me to integrate all of my interests into one cohesive project. I was born in New Delhi, India and raised in Southern California for the majority of my life. I had my fair share of mental and physical health struggles growing up, and my life finally changed when I turned inwards to address the root cause of these issues. Thus began my healing journey that brought me to where I am today.
I am a certified yoga instructor and meditation facilitator, permaculture designer, California Naturalist, and currently a student of herbal medicine, nutrition, and field botany. My passion lies both in the kitchen and in the great outdoors. I see both of these places as deeply intertwined and extremely catalytic in our healing. As a plant nerd, food lover, and wellness enthusiast, Inner Garden Wellness is my passion project through which I hope to channel the wisdom of my ancestors and the magic in connecting to our inner garden with the world.
https://www.innergarden-wellness.com/
CHEF ANA GONZALEZ
Chef Ana Gonzalez is a culinary expert on a mission to make the world a little sweeter, one delectable treat at a time. With an impressive 18-year career in the kitchen, Chef Ana's expertise spans far and wide, from crafting intricate confections to sharing her knowledge with the next generation of aspiring chefs.
Formally trained at The Art Institute in SoCal, Chef Ana mastered the intricacies of French patisserie, artisan bread making, cake decorating, chocolate work, ice carving as well as a range of savory dishes and the art of menu and recipe development. Additionally, she became a seasoned low-carb paleo chef, sharing her knowledge through Meal Prepping 101 classes.
Now, Chef Ana is eager to share her wealth of knowledge and experience with aspiring chefs.
CHEF JON NASSIF
Jon has been entrenched in the food industry since his early days, where he spent his time in the bustling kitchen of his family's hotel. From there, he ventured into restaurants, gaining invaluable experience before eventually venturing into entrepreneurship. For many years, Jon successfully owned and operated restaurants in downtown Denver.
Although he sold his restaurants some time ago, Jon's passion for food never waned. He transitioned into a consulting role for restaurants, lending his expertise to help others succeed while also sharpening his own culinary skills. One area of focus for Jon has been dough – whether it's crafting delicious bread, perfecting pizzas, or diving into his latest culinary obsession: bagels. Join Jon as he shares his knowledge.
WORKSHOPS
Born in Herat, and educated at the University of Kabul, Sadiq Tawfiq is an Afghan American who is grateful for the opportunity he found in America to combine his love of art, history and Afghan culture in a business that benefits both cultures.
A tribal art expert, Tawfiq believes strongly in the power of art to help build bridges of cultural understanding. He regularly lectures at schools and universities and has served as a technical advisor on movies such as Rambo III and Three Kings.
Each and every item found at Khyber Pass Gallery was hand selected and imported by Sadiq himself as he traveled throughout the East and met the artists that lived in the different regions and villages.
Sadiq is also very involved in a non-profit organization in the US and Afghanistan, the Afghan Amity Society, Money raised will help orphanage schools and build hospitals. Please consider a donation. https://orphanproject.org/about-us