Exploring Life & Business with Alexandra Ferraco of Performance Chef LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexandra Ferraco.

Hi Alexandra, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I have been a professional chef for almost 10 years. The first 5 years was focused on growth and learning among various restaurants. When the pandemic hit I moved into catering and private cheffing. Through various connections I ended up consulting for the Lakers along with another private Chef. We both helped update and train their kitchen team during the 2023-2024 season. After the consulting contract ended, I founded my business, Performance Chef. This is a meal prep delivery service that focuses on high protein and anti-inflammatory dishes. I work alongside many dieticians in Los Angeles to create nutritious meals that taste amazing. Performance Chef is about optimizing recovery while reducing inflammation brought on by strenuous workouts or chronic autoimmune issues.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I have found as a chef its really hard to define what your style is! I’m constantly inspired by so many dishes and cuisines. But it gets overwhelming too, leading me to imposter syndrome and identity crisis. Its hard to separate what I love to eat vs what I love to make (or what I CAN make).

Only recently have I landed in a place where the food I am creating that feels like “me.” Healthy, fresh, seasonal, with Southern Californian and Italian influences.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I am best known for working with dieticians to create custom meal plans for clients who are in need of really dialed in nutrition. Clients range from professional athletes to people with chronic health issues. The main focus in my meals have been high protein, gluten/dairy/grain free, and made with peak season and ethically sourced organic ingredients. The goal is that every meal is anti-inflammatory which helps high performance athletes recover optimally and auto-immune clients prevent flare-ups.

What makes you happy?
Two things
1. When clients love my food. Working in the kitchen is hard work and long hours. But at the end of the day, when a client is enjoying their food, it is all worth it.
2. Running. I used to be in the “I hate running” club. But when i learned to approach running in a slower more patient way- WOW – are the benefits amazing. Running gives me time to problem solve, it gets my creative juices flowing, and I am rewarded with the best drug- endorphins. Not to mention running somehow makes food taste better, i swear!

Pricing:

• 5 Meals/week: $200
• 10 Meals/week: $300

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Chefraco.com
• Instagram: chefraco
• Facebook: chefraco