Ana Northrop on Her Culinary Journey and Leadership at Leonore's
Posted by Jami Sassone on
In this episode of Shelling Peas, Chef Ryan Jennings sits down with Ana Northrop, head chef at Leonore’s, a standout restaurant in the Swan family of establishments in Rochester. Ana shares her journey from experimenting with Food Network recipes as a teen to becoming a leader in one of the city’s most celebrated kitchens.
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Ana opens up about her early inspirations, from mastering Rachel Ray’s chili recipe at age 12 to discovering her passion for the fast-paced energy of professional kitchens. She reflects on her career, which includes stints at Ox and Stone, Char, and Good Luck, and discusses how these experiences shaped her cooking style and leadership philosophy. Ana also highlights the collaborative process of menu development, balancing bold flavors, and creating a supportive kitchen culture that values growth and creativity.
Tune in for a thoughtful conversation about the highs and lows of a culinary career, the importance of mentorship, and what’s next for Ana and Leonore’s.