Chef Maya P

Chef Maya, one of our many culinary artists who believes that food is the ultimate comfort language, spoken best when it’s made with love.

Born in Manhattan, this first-generation American grew up with her taste buds on a world tour, thanks to her mom’s globetrotting work trips. With an Italian grandmother on one side and an Argentinian abuela on the other, Maya’s childhood was a delicious blend of empanadas and pasta, giving her a rich foundation in the kitchen.

Maya’s heart sings to the tune of Vietnamese, Italian, and South/Central American cuisines, though she’s got a soft spot for just about every type of food. Her journey into the food world began in her grandparents' kitchens, where she learned the art of mixing tradition with creativity. From there, she ventured into catering while studying art in San Francisco, working for “Taste” and later as a private chef.

Her kitchen isn’t just a workspace—it’s a time machine connecting her to her ancestors. Maya loves to experiment, pulling from family recipes and adding her modern twist. When she’s not busy whipping up something amazing, you’ll find her painting, strumming a guitar, or snapping shots with her film camera. Creativity runs deep in her veins, a legacy passed down from her grandfather, the renowned artist, and musician Bernardo Palombo, who founded El Taller in New York.

Maya’s culinary journey has led her to cook for some of the tech world’s elite in Silicon Valley, but she’s not one to name-drop—mostly because she’s too busy making sure her food is unforgettable. With a beagle by her side who’s been her loyal companion since she was eight, and dreams of visiting Morocco and reconnecting with family in Argentina, Chef Maya continues to let her love for food and art guide her through life.

And if she had a catchphrase? Well, it’s borrowed from the legendary Joël Robuchon:

“You can’t cook if you don’t like people.” And Maya? She loves them all, one plate at a time.