not your average chef

Grace Ramirez is a celebrated chef, dedicated humanitarian, and empowering educator, known for her strong communication skills, empathy, and upscale glam. Her journey began with directing and producing TV shows at the Food Network, evolving into her volunteer work with World Central Kitchen during humanitarian, climate, and community disasters like Hurricane Maria and the Venezuelan & Colombian Migrant Crisis — a career change with impactful results.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Chef Grace was instrumental in delivering over 100,000 meals daily to frontline workers in New York, and the greater community. Through this initiative, the organization helped prevent over 250 restaurants from closing, and over 9.5 million meals were delivered. This led to her recognition as a COVID Hero by the City and her partnership with the United Nations, advocating for the Chefs Manifesto, consolidating her commitment to philanthropy, activism, and advocacy.

Grace's passion for education and community led to her appointment to NYC's Chefs Council by Mayor Adams, where she develops culturally relevant, plant-based recipes for the NYC Department of Education. She also works with Co-op Tech, boosting their culinary curriculum and mentoring students at various schools. Her entrepreneurial spirit shines in her latest venture, "La Latina Cocina," a collaboration with Aramark that brings authentic Latin flavors to higher education dining locations. This venture is a testament to her deep understanding of different cultures within Latin America and her ability to translate that into a diverse following. Grace's work embodies her commitment to shaping the future with authentic vibrancy and sustained care for nourishment. Her empowering voice, empathetic nature, and understanding of American as well as Latino pop-cultures make her a true voice in the culinary world.

With her television production background, it’s in Grace’s nature to seek out smart solutions for big challenges. That mindset, coupled with the backing of an experienced global team, has led her to shape products and concepts for major brands including Hormel Foods and Zacapa Rum. Grace is a force in the publishing world, with four cookbooks to her name — including one in which she collaborated with some of the world’s most notable chefs to showcase classic recipes from all over the world. Her first book, La Latina, is a vibrant celebration of Latin American food and culture that highlights her interpretation of authentic flavor in bold, contemporary dishes and takes readers on a journey through Latin American culinary history.

Grace returned to the Food Network and New York and is currently the networks’ only star in history to host feature programs both in North America (Cooking Channel USA) and South America (Food Network Latin America’s Destino Con Sabor) simultaneously. Outside of her cooking and teaching roles, Grace dedicates her time to philanthropic initiatives and speaking engagements that empower minorities and women.

 

Chef Grace Ramirez Demo Reel

Destino Con Sabor Promo

La Latina Cookbook Sneak Peek