Meet the Chefs
“I realized very early the power of food to evoke memory, to bring people together, to transport you to other places, and I wanted to be a part of that.”
Jose Andres Puerta
Chef Bria Stifter
I became a “chef” because I love the way that food creates a nostalgia of memories around places, people, and favorite times in our lives. Cooking for me, harnesses my imagination and creativity to tell a story, and recreate the memories I am so fond of, revolving around the dinner table.
My first job was in a small town mom and pop restaurant, and since, I have been completely immersed in all aspects of the service industry. After completing a Culinary Arts program in 2014, I toured my way around different areas of the culinary world, finally settling in my dream of becoming a thriving personal chef.
The joy and satisfaction that comes from giving your guests great service, accompanied with food made from the soul, is incomparable to anything else.
My true passion is my love for food and translating that into an unforgettable experience serving people in every aspect.
Chef
Lailonie
Hey there, I'm Chef Lailonie, and I'm all about bringing joy to people through food. Ever since I graduated from culinary school, cooking has been my passion and my art form. I see cooking as a form of self-expression, like painting on a canvas but with flavors and textures. My journey in the culinary world has been anything but ordinary. Jumping into the culinary world, has been completely spontaneous move. But through it all, one thing has remained constant: my passion for cooking and my dedication to my craft. I've had a plethora of jobs, each one shaping me into the chef I am today.
The bonding and universal love for food is like a language spoken by all cultures, connecting people through shared experiences, memories, and sensations. It transcends barriers, nourishing not only the body but also the soul. I'm thrilled to be creating some unforgettable dining experiences.
“Arguably the only goods people need these days are good food and happiness.”
Terence Conran
Chef Andrew
Chef Andrew has been a part of A Cut Above’s journey from the beginning. Chef Bri & Chef Andrew became business partners fresh out of culinary training in Minneapolis, MN creating a meal prepping company, and catering private events together. As their careers advanced they separated on their own journeys.
Chef Andrew continued to work in restaurant kitchens as a Sous Chef at high end steak houses, until he slowly made his way into the collegiate sports world. He was in charge of D1 Athletic food programs in both MN and TX, working directly with a team of sports dietitians and nutritionists to create delicious and healthy meals for student athletes. He also has experience as a private chef working with well known professional athletes in the Minneapolis area, filling in when A Cut Above needs extra hands, and especially talented catering for large quantities of people.
Chef Andrew:
“Food is an incredible way to join people together. Creating meals for people was not my first passion, but bringing people together has always been my greatest sentiment. Growing up with a large family, having meals with the people I love the most, has turned out to be some of fondest memories.
I wanted to follow a passion that I felt strongly about. By bringing people together around the dinner table I felt comfort in feeding my passion on creating delicious food that my guests can talk about forever. “
“Food is our common ground, a universal experience.” James Beard