Maria Cooper

I'm a lover of food and flavor. I simply cherish the way food connects us to our memories, loved ones and culture.

Some of my fondest memories dwell in hot summers spent with my grandmother baking Lebanese bread and fresh baklava, peering over her countertop, fearlessly tasting fresh, lemon-drenched raw lamb, seasoned with herbs from her fingertips.

Prior to my current position as the Executive Chef at City Club, in 2008 I was the Consultant to open, and later the Chef for Harvest Restaurant in Madrid, Spain.

In 2010, after cooking professionally for over 5 years, I was diagnosed with two major autoimmune conditions as well as insulin resistance. This diagnosis was a huge turning point in my life, forcing me to immediately and drastically change my relationship with food.  Although I was already practicing an organic, gluten-free and dairy free diet, I knew I had to get creative to sustain a complete protein, vegetable, and healthy fat based diet that would be delicious, exciting and fulfilling.

By removing sugars and other toxic foods from my diet and returning to protein and vegetable-driven meals, I found more balance, clarity, and energy in my system: physically, mentally, and emotionally.

With the publication of my cookbook, Heartful Kitchen; my full-time position as Executive Chef at the Highland City Club, and teaching Soul Sweat dance, I live a full and rewarding life, and am excited about what is ahead for me and City Club.