Chef Nyesha Arrington

Chef Nyesha Arrington has been in love with the kitchen since she was just a little girl cooking from the age of five alongside her Korean grandmother. Born in Southern California to a multi-cultural family, she was introduced early on to diverse foods such as bulgogi, octopus and homemade kimchi. These first stages of culinary experiences definitively shaped her palate and her ideas. By integrating flavors and techniques from around the world, Nyesha has been able to create a style that is both personal and unparalleled. After graduation from the prestigious Culinary School at the Art Institute of California in Los Angeles in 2001, Nyesha built an impressive resume working with Josiah Citrin at the acclaimed 2 Michelin Star Mélisse in Santa Monica, and legendary French chef Joël Robuchon at his Michelin Star restaurants in Las Vegas, L’Atelier and The Mansion. She then went on to helm Leona and Native in Los Angeles where she was celebrated for using farm fresh, locally, and responsibly sourced ingredients. In 2012, she was named to Zagat’s 30 Under 30 and in 2015 was recognized as LA’s Chef of the Year by Eater. Nyesha hit the national stage as a fan favorite on “Top Chef” season 9, is currently the host of “Plateworthy” on Eater and a mentor/judge on FOX’s hit culinary competition show, “Next Level Chef.” Nyesha draws inspiration from art, her African American and Korean background and is passionate about food and culture, nutrition and vegetables, storytelling, travel and fitness.