Today we’d like to introduce you to Aricia Alvarado.
Hi Aricia, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I went to culinary school right out of high school when it wasn’t a popular thing to do. I was one of five females in the Culinary Arts program at LA Trade Tech.
I began as an apprentice at Parkway Grill in Pasadena under executive chef Hugo Molina (who became my life partner). This is when I embarked on my journey as a curious, square peg inside a well-defined circular societal role. It has been a journey of a lifetime.
It began with being given the freedom to imagine and create with the finest ingredients from all over the world and flavors that were familiar to me from childhood. As well as others that we only read about and discussed in culinary school. I can’t really explain, but it came as a little combination of intimidation, survival, chance, wish taking and searching for an outlet for my artistic side.
I was then introduced to the world of fine wines and spirits via research travel and eventually opening our own restaurant.
That lead me to other adventures in the restaurant business including getting out of the kitchen in order to take on the administrative duties. At this point in my career, I went through what one would call a burn out. I left the business and looked in other places to find my creative voice but to no avail. I decided to return to my roots, my home and that is how I began once again a journey towards my authentic nature… in the kitchen, creating unique and magical experiences for people through food, drinks and beauty. That is how I decided to create Alchemy Kitchen.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
As a Latina woman in the kitchen it was a true challenge on so many levels. Luckily, I am determined and not willing to give up on my visions or aspirations. As a young cook, I was not the typical girl with long manicured nails, fashionable work clothes or weekends off. I got to be surrounded by hot stoves and ovens; sweaty, swearing men that found it amusing to have me be the only girl in the kitchen. I found myself in a world that was ruthless if you showed weakness, had no holidays off, had no social life, worked long shifts at a very high pace with precision and cleanliness. Have many scars and burns on my arms and fingers I like to call them my culinary tattoos.
Other challenges included the fact that restaurants are always operating on such a small margin and having a child to support did not always come easy.
When the pandemic came, it was challenging but not nearly as challenging as when I was a young cook.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a chef that began a catering company called Alchemy kitchen. I specialize in creating a sensory experience through hosting parties that bring forth the magic of my passion for food, drinks, ambience, eye appeal and impeccable hospitality.
I am proud of having had the courage to carve a place in the food industry as a woman that can cook with her love.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I don’t believe in luck being thrown our way. I believe we are powerful beings and bring luck (good or bad) to our experiences. Each individual has a path to follow and it is in our power to manifest luck.
I have worked very hard and have struggled financially, emotionally and physically following my authenticity but that struggle which I call the dance of life, has brought me the most clarity and powerful manifestation to date. You can call it “luck ” if you wish…
Contact Info:
- Instagram: alchemy_kitchen_
- Facebook: Alchemy Kitchen
Image Credits
Hector Sandoval People magazine
