Pila, our executive chef at Casa Colina, completed culinary school at Le Cordon Bleu in Dallas, Texas. Her work experience began in the restaurant and hotel industry which later led her to Australia. She describes her time there as one of the most defining moments of her life. “Traveling to the other side of the world by myself and knowing not a single soul…it was one of the best moments in my life,” she remembers. After she returned state-side, her love of children and her desire to give back to her community inspired her to work with a local non-profit organization prior to joining Casa Colina. While there, she learned to work independently and to manage all aspects of the kitchen.
Her positive attitude, her consideration for others, and her passion for great food makes her an essential part of the Casa Colina team. Her love of sweets and her pastry experience is another plus. If you follow your nose to the kitchen, you will likely find her baking something delicious while also considering how she can help others find their passion. After all, her favorite quote by Joshua Marine is “Challenges are what make life interesting and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.”