About Candice
Early Life
Chef Candice was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA, growing up in the vibrant community of Culver City. Her journey to the Central Coast began when she attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, earning a B.A. in Political Science. After graduation, Candice and her husband returned to Los Angeles to pursue their careers. She spent several years thriving in the tech industry before an unexpected twist of fate- a department-wide layoff- changed the course of her life forever.
Career
With severance pay in hand, Candice decided to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a chef. She enrolled at The New School of Cooking in Culver City, where she honed her craft under the guidance of exceptional mentors. Her talent and determination quickly propelled her into the culinary world. After gaining experience at the prestigious Langham Hotel in Pasadena, Candice launched Chef Candice LLC, building a successful private chef business catering to elite clients in Beverly Hills and Los Angeles.
In 2020, during the pandemic, Candice and her family returned to the Central Coast, settling on a growing farm in Creston. She further developed her skills as a Sous Chef and Executive Chef at prominent local vineyards before reopening Chef Candice LLC. Today, she is a renowned private chef, offering bespoke culinary experiences that showcase her talent, passion, and deep connection to the Central Coast.
Other Ventures
Chef Candice is a visionary in the culinary world, curating unique dining experiences across the county in collaboration with local businesses, winemakers, and artisans. She provides a variety of services, including private dining experiences, cooking classes, and menu consultations.
She is the founder, owner, and chef of Club SupSup, the Central Coast’s first Latin-inspired supper club. Her events blend elevated menus, cultural storytelling, and community connection. You can also find her cooking at Kindred Oak Farm in Paso Robles, as well as Sagrada Wellness in Santa Margarita, creating unforgettable farm-to-table experiences.
Candice is a published author, her cookbook, The Versatile Chef is available through Amazon and Barnes & Nobles. In 2025, she became the co-owner of At Her Table, an organization celebrating and supporting women-owned and co-owned businesses in the food, beverage, and lodging industries on the Central Coast.
Cuisine
Candice’s culinary style is deeply influenced by her diverse heritage, drawing inspiration from her Mexican, Puerto Rican, and Costa Rican heritage and upbringing, as well as her husband’s Peruvian background. She crafts dishes that range from authentic traditional recipes to innovative fusion creations.
Her versatility extends to a variety of cuisines, including Spanish, French, Italian, German, Mediterranean, and more. Whether creating a specialty menu or honoring her roots, Candice delivers unforgettable flavors tailored to her clients’ needs.
Acclaim
Chef Candice has earned growing acclaim both locally and nationally. She appeared on Food Network’s Chopped in 2022 and is a 2023-24 James Beard Foundation Legacy Network Cohort alum. Her work has been featured in numerous news publications, food magazines, and podcasts like EdibleSLO, New Times SLO, and much more.
With her dynamic career and innovative approach to food, Chef Candice continues to make her mark as a culinary trailblazer. Stay tuned for what’s next on her ever-evolving journey.
