Ariella is an American-Israeli Chef and Chef Instructor whose grandparents came from Istanbul and Izmir, Turkey to New York City in the 1920s. Sephardic Jewish cuisine dominated and blessed her grandmother's kitchen, where as a young girl Ariella watched biscocchos, bourekas, fiveyos, fritadas, and roscas form like magic in her grandmother's hands. After many years living in Israel and working as a cafe cook, culinary tour guide and private chef, Ariella now resides in New England with her husband and children where she teaches about Sephardic culture and history through the lens of food and cooking. The incredible history of the Jews from the Iberian peninsula to places like Salonika, Izmir, Livorno, and Aleppo, to where they reside today, is full of rich material for engagement, education and enjoyment. This is the world through which Ariella loves to connect, teach, and learn with students of all ages. 

Ariella holds a certificate in Pastry from the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, and a Graduate Certificate in Food Studies from Boston University. 

You can reach out to Ariella regarding classes and workshops at: ariellaamshalem@gmail.com

find Ariella on instagram @aricooks