Lorena Garcia

Also Known As: Lorena Garcia • Born: 05/24/1971

Lorena Garcia, born in Caracas, Venezuela, is a renowned chef who is celebrated for her culinary expertise and entrepreneurial spirit. Born on June 24, 1971, and raised in a family passionate about food, she initially pursued a law degree at Santa Maria University in Venezuela. However, her true calling was the culinary arts, prompting her to relocate to the United States, where she attended Johnson and Wales University to study culinary arts. Garcia’s culinary career began with an apprenticeship at the Ritz-Carlton in Paris, followed by stints in various countries, including Italy, Japan, Korea, Thailand, and China. Her global experiences enriched her cooking style, blending Latin and Asian influences. In 2002, she opened her first two restaurants, Food Café and Elements Tierra, in Miami’s Design District. Garcia gained widespread fame through television appearances, particularly on “Top Chef Masters,” where she competed against top chefs. Her charisma and culinary skills earned her a third-place finish in the fourth season. Additionally, she served as a judge on several cooking shows, including “Cocineros al Límite” and “Top Chef: Estrellas.”

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