A woman with curly brown hair, blue eyes, and hoop earrings is seated at a wooden table in a kitchen, looking at the camera with a smile. She is wearing a white shirt with a colorful mushroom pattern, and has her left hand resting on the table near a plate with cake. There is a yellow-striped paper straw in a yellow beverage cup on the table. In the background, there are white cabinets and a section of a white brick wall.

LEIGH ORLEANS

Private Chef & Content Creator

I’m immensely passionate about food, and hopefully you’re here because you are too.

Trying new restaurants, cooking for people I love, and traveling in search of memorable meals has shaped so much of my life. Food has always been the way I connect with people, create community, and make everyday moments feel special.

You may recognize me from season 22 of Hell’s Kitchen: The American Dream or as a Chopped champion — experiences that only deepened my love for hospitality, creativity, and sharing great food with others.

style

I’m drawn to food that feels vibrant, comforting, and meant to be shared. While a lot of my cooking is inspired by the flavors of the Levant, I love pulling inspiration from memorable meals, travel, and cuisines from all over the world. I also have extensive experience accommodating dietary restrictions, including gluten-free dining, and believe everyone deserves food that feels thoughtful, satisfying, and just as exciting as the original inspiration. Whether I’m preparing a casual weekly meal drop-off or hosting a multi-course dinner party, my goal is always to create food that brings people together and makes everyday life feel a little more special.

education

I have a degree in Culinary Arts from the Savannah Culinary Institute and a Master’s Degree in Wine and Beverage Management from the Culinary Institute of America. In May 2017, I graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill with a business degree from Kenan-Flagler Business School.