Friends & Collaborators
Building community around great food.
Chef Leslie Chavez
An accomplished Chef and Patissier, Leslie Chavez prides in a culinary career that has spanned over thirty years. An educator, chef mentor and catering professional, Leslie blends creativity with a comprehensive understanding of culinary protocols. Her experience in restaurant and catering environments has re-enforced Leslie’s standards for excellence, while allowing her to master culinary techniques in multiple disciplines.
Leslie is currently Chef and co-owner of Coriander Catering, and Chef at Monte Del Sol Charter School, where she plans and prepares daily catered health conscious meals for students and staff at Monte Del Sol. A creative and locally minded team builder, Leslie has filled in as Director of Food Services for Kitchen Angels, and a Sous Chef at Santa Fe School of Cooking and was a Pastry Chef instructor at Santa Fe Community College.
Leslie’s accolades began early in her career when she received a scholarship from the Simon Foundation for a three week culinary education in Italy. This experience created a passion for world cuisine, and the art of pastry and bread baking. In 2012, Leslie was awarded the Best Chocolate Dessert, Professional Baker at the Santa Fe Chocolate and Coffee Festival, and in 2013 was named Chef of the Year by the New Mexico Restaurant Association. Leslie has appeared in “Ludo Bites” on The Sundance Channel, has competed in The Valencia County Chamber of Commerce 10th, 11th, 12th, and 13th Annual Matanzas, and acted as President of the SFCC Culinary Club and has appeared in Fine Dining Magazines, “Moveable Feast” on PBS.
Leslie received a certificate in Patissier in 2014. She continually strives to cultivate her skills and apply her respect for culinary artistry in all that she does.