About the Chef
She turned her “can’ts” into “cans” and her dreams into plans
My name is Maya Bardolia and I recently graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Johnson and Wales University Culinary School. I’ve worked in the kitchens of several fine dining establishments in New York and New Jersey: Most notably, Hearth, under owner & Chef Marco Canora and Common Lot, under owner & Chef Ehren Ryan.
Unlike any other graduating class year, 2020 had a lot of challenges in store. Instead of stepping out into the world and starting my career in a restaurant, I was forced to stay at home in quarantine because of the Corona Virus. The job opportunities within my industry became non-existent. With the help of my family and friends, I came up with the idea for Meals By Maya.
This opportunity has offered me a chance to find the chef that I am. I’ve been able to experiment with seasonal and unique ingredients and have found passion in learning about different cuisines. These “experiments” have allowed me to realize that my ingredients are truly the source of my inspiration.
Making lemonade out of quarantine lemons is what continues to inspire me!
