Lorena Garcia Biography

One of the country’s leading Latina chefs, Lorena Garcia was born and raised in Venezuela,
and credits her many gatherings spent entertaining family and friends as her career inspiration.
“Bringing loved ones together to enjoy wonderful food is something that has always fulfilled me.”
Lorena completed her law studies in Santa Maria University in Caracas and moved to the United
States to complete her Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies. Making her dream to become a chef
a reality, Lorena traded her law papers for a cutting board and chef’s knife to study culinary arts at
Johnson & Wales University.
Inspired by her education and burgeoning creativity, Lorena set out on a world tour of
countries known for great cuisine. She worked as an apprentice chef in France, Italy, Japan, Korea,
Thailand, and China and worked in famed restaurants alongside world-renowned chefs such as
Pascal Audin. Her next step was to establish Food Café, and later Elements Tierra, two successful
restaurants in Miami’s Design District that featured menus defined by an eclectic blend of Latin and
Asian-inspired dishes that were recently sold in 2008. Scheduled to open in June 2010 is the
Lorena Garcia Cocina Restaurant located at the Miami International Airport-where Lorena teams up
with HMS Host Marriot Services to provide travelers a healthier alternative to Latin cuisine.
Lorena’s charismatic personality and contagious enthusiasm have helped her secure
numerous roles as host on nationally syndicated shows including Vida Gourmet on the Gems
network; Co/cine Mun2, Mun2 network; El Arte del Buen Gusto, MGM Casa Club TV; Sazón,
Univision Radio; and currently Sazón con Lorena Garcia on Utilisima. In 2009, Lorena was
featured in CNN’s “Latinos In America”, broadcast globally to millions of viewers.
Lorena’s dynamic appeal has also been recognized by global brands. Moving into her third
year as a Nestlé spokesperson, Lorena appears on Cocinando con Nestlé, a weekly segment on
the Univision morning show, Despierta America, where she prepares popular and traditional dishes
from Latin America. Every year Lorena showcases her culinary talents on behalf of Nestlé brands
during a multi-city North American tour of Latin street festivals and fairs. Lorena is also in
collaboration with Splenda® No Calorie Sweetener to develop new recipes with the product, and
represents Splenda® on national media appearances.
Lorena has taken on the challenge of combating childhood obesity using her culinary
knowledge. She developed "Big Chef, Little Chef" as a comprehensive program to help kids and
their families take control of their eating habits and ultimately, their lives. More than simply
promoting healthy eating, it is a lifestyle modification plan that educates children of all ages and
their families about the benefits of nutrition and of living a healthy, happy, and positive life.
In 2007 Lorena developed a signature line of products with Belk Department stores, the
largest privately owned department store company in the United States. In the heart of the Miami
Design district the Lorena Garcia studio is scheduled to open in late 2010. It will feature a 5000 sq ft
space, which will allow for studio production, brand development, educational workshops and all
media relations. The Lorena Garcia Empire continues to grow.