Meet Emily aka The Gambling Chef

I was born and raised in California’s beautiful Napa Valley.  At a young age I showed an aptitude for music and began voice lessons when I was 7 years old.  I continued to sing and perform in operettas and operas into my early 20s, studying art and theater in school.

Food was an important part of our family when I was growing up and both of my parents enjoyed cooking.  Chocolate chip cookies were the gateway food that led to my love of baking.  I would try to perfect them and experimented making cakes, pies, brownies, bars – anything sweet!  My internal sugar bunny is still going strong but these days I try to balance it out by cooking more savory dishes.

My varied background includes restaurant experience as a host, waitress, bartender and line cook.  I joined my dad’s software company when I needed a break from the restaurant world and ended up working there for over 16 years as the eventual Vice President and CFO.  Because I like to push myself, and to escape the overwhelming pressure of running a company, I decided to attend night classes at the International Culinary Center.  Cooking was a refreshing change after a day of endless virtual meetings, staring intently at my computer screen and answering dozens of emails.  I began working as a line chef during my school’s externship requirement and stayed at the same restaurant for over 4 years.  I was able to sell the software company and left the restaurant business in 2022.

A lifelong lover of animals, I volunteer for a local non-profit cat and kitten rescue whenever possible. I am surrounded at home by my six beautiful and amazing cats, and my lovebird Jazzy.  In my spare time you can count on finding me at the casino or in my kitchen, or watching old reruns of Star Trek on my couch. 

The Gambling Chef is my newest passion, which combines all of my greatest loves into one unique venture.  Thank you for taking the time to read more about my personal journey.

Sending you Love and Luck,
Emily
The Gambling Chef