CHEF SERIES

Chef Dominique Payraudeau

Growing up in the central region of Berry, near Limoges, France, Dominique was first influenced by his grandmother Adrienne, who worked at a very young age as a cook in the châteaux of a "famille bourgeoise". Dominique knew very early that he would become a chef. His father, a pastry chef and baker, inspired him greatly. So, at 16, he apprenticed at " Maxim's," in Paris. Chef Dominique also worked at Ledoyen on the Champs Elysees and also at the Hilton in Paris. Dominique then moved to London, England, where he worked for a few years in various well known restaurants and clubs. Fulfilling his dream to come to the United States, Dominique arrived in New York City in the mid 1970's. He was sponsored by Roger Fessaguet of La Caravelle, in New York. He spent five years at Le Chantilly, as chef saucier and sous-chef. He then joined The Terrace, where he became chef de cuisine.

In January of 1990, Dominique became the Executive Chef at La Reserve, New York's three star restaurants, where he remained for ten years enjoying his art of cooking. Following his ultimate dream, he opened his own restaurant Chez Dominique, in Bergenfield, New Jersey, in May of 2000. During his tenure of over five years, Dominique, through his classic training and trendy flare, regaled a good part of Bergen County's palate. Regular customers enjoyed all the special occasion menus year after year. Dominique received many acclaimed articles from the New York Times, the Bergen Record as well as several magazines. He received the ultimate food rating of 26 by the Zagat guide 2005/2006, which quoted him as a "true Artist.".

Dominique embarked on a different path and joined the ICC international Culinary Institute, home of the legendary French Culinary Institute in New York City as a Chef Instructor. He enjoys teaching and wants to by share his knowledge and passion with others. Keeping the creativity juices flowing, Chef Dominique enjoys his catering business and services as a private chef, from interactive small group cooking classes to deliciously caters affairs. He is a member of the Societe Culinaire Philanthropique, the Vatel Club, the Cordon Bleu and l'Academie Culinaire de France. Dominique is an active member of the Knights of Columbus, Ramsey Chapter.

"Venite ad me omnes qui stomacho laboratis et ego restaurabo vos"
(Come to me, all of you whose stomachs are in distress, and I will restore you)
first restaurateur, Paris 1762

Chef Blažena Federer

Chef Blazena Federer is an internationally experienced chef, caterer, cooking instructor andfood scientist. She brings her excitement for cooking and distinctive flair to her classes, catered events.

Owner of CulinaryAffair.com Chef Blazena will also expertly cater your events. Her "Cooking with Friends" parties and private cooking classes have gained popularity with foodies in our area and beyond. Blazena's cooking, teaching and catering experience includes Williams Sonoma, Kings Cooking Studios, Bergen Community College, private executive chef cooking service and catered affairs.

Born to the hospitality business in Europe, Chef Blazena is a natural in the kitchen. She perfected her knowledge and culinary skills living and cooking throughout Europe, Mexico and the United States. Always fascinated by local cuisines, her menus are an inspired mélange of unique recipes and artistic food presentation.

During your cooking event, Chef Blazena will take you on a culinary journey, spiced up with recipes history, science, tricks-of-the trade, practical tips, humor and most of all, her passion for food! Simply put - a delicious experience! Are you ready to explore the tastes of the world on your plate with Chef Blazena?

Chef Federer combined her passion for food with the study of food science. She holds a Culinary Arts degree, was trained at the Culinary Institute of America, studied food science at Rutgers University and is a member of the Research Chef Association. Chef Blazena freelances in capacity of Research Food Scientist to the food industry and as a Corporate Chef for hire at trade shows and provides Staff with Class - Party Personnel on Demand for corporate and private clients.

Chef Blazena Federer lives in Bergen County with her family and is the owner of CulinaryAffair.com and StaffwithClass.com companies, serving the tri-state area.

Victoria Casucci

Victoria Casucci established one of Bergen county's first take-out and catering storefronts – "The Moveable Feast" of Ho-Ho-Kus – which she operated for almost 20 years. She then earned a pastry degree from the French Culinary Institute.