Chef Star D

Chef Star brings heart, warmth, and a touch of magic to every dish she creates.

Growing up in Naples, Florida, as a first-generation Mexican-American, she was raised on a mix of home-cooked Mexican comfort food and fresh coastal seafood. By 13, she was already taking the reins in the kitchen, cooking her family’s first all-American Thanksgiving, and she hasn’t looked back since.

Her culinary journey officially began in high school when she joined a tech program for culinary arts and landed a spot on the team of a local celebrity chef at just 16. Inspired by her mentor’s guidance, she went on to graduate from The Culinary Institute of America and has spent her career pushing the boundaries of flavor. Star’s approach to food is thoughtful and playful — she loves cooking with the seasons and reimagining people’s comfort food, creating meals that feel like a warm hug with a little twist.

Star’s impressive career includes helping launch a farm-to-table restaurant and butchery program in Florida and refining her European cooking style under the mentorship of James Beard Award-winning Chef Anne Kearney. She’s cooked for stars like Lee Brice, the Prime Minister of Israel, and even contributed to presidential catering events — but her true joy lies in feeding everyday people and making their day just a little brighter.

When she’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find Star on the beach with her miniature dachshund, Wagyu (because of course her dog’s named after premium beef), or exploring new restaurants and wine shops. Her life philosophy is summed up in one word: ¡Ánimo! — a reminder to stay motivated, cheerful, and ready to take on whatever comes next.