Today we’d like to introduce you to Gigliola Zimmermann.
Hi Gigliola, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born in Los Angeles, California, but raised in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. Most of my childhood memories come from Bolivia. I thought I was going to become an architect once I moved back to the states at age 17, but that idea clearly changed.. I attended culinary school (Le Cordon Bleu) in Austin in 2006. I had the honor to work under chefs like Wolfgang Puck, David Bull and Dean Fearings to name a few. In December of 2012 I opened Joyce & Gigi’s kitchen with my mom (Joyce) where we specialized in introducing South American food in an elevated way with our own interpretation. Today, as a private chef and since owning the restaurant, my mission has been to share and expand Bolivian food as much as I can, anywhere I can.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, its never easy! When you are passionate about something and when you do meaningful work, it will always take time and you will always face difficulties to do it right, for the right reasons as well. I can describe several examples, but one I am recently working on (which I’ll be sharing very soon), has been on the works for almost 2 years ! it took us a full year to find the entire team, and before that, we needed to wait to make sure everything alined the correct way for this particular project. God has been showing us the path He wants us to focus on, under His time.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a Dallas private / personal chef that specializes in Bolivian cuisine. I am most proud of my roots, and the reason why I cook today, and the way that I cook today. Bolivian food is still very unkown to many and once they see how diverse and approachable is, they are very intrigued and want to know more; that’s what sets me apart from the rest, what I do with Bolivian food is simple with an elevated way, while still being able to find the ingredients in all local grocery stores.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I was very energetic, I always enjoyed being with my friends and staying busy! Besides playing, I also liked to find easy jobs to do around my gated community such as wash cars, bake cakes to sell on raffles, etc. I had a mischievousness in me, but it only came out of curiosity and wanting to be funny at times.
Pricing:
- 3 courses $220 p/p
- 4 courses $240 p/p
- 5 courses $280 p/p
- 6 courses $300 p/p
- Cooking Classes $100 – 150 p/p
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.chefgigiz.com
- Instagram: gigi_zimmermann
- Facebook: Gigliola Zimmermann
Image Credits
Photo credits @vitemedia
