Class at 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Culinary darling Chef Paula DaSilva first came into the South Florida dining
scene in 2000 and has become one of the area’s foremost talents in the realm
of soulful, farm fresh cuisine. A member of The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale
culinary team since 2017, initially as Chef de Cuisine of its acclaimed restaurant
Burlock Coast and then as Executive Chef of the entire property, Paula was
recently appointed the property’s Director of Culinary and Beverage. In her new
role, Paula is directly responsible for the property’s culinary outlets, beverage
and wine program, in-room dining, Club Lounge, and more.
A native of Brazil, Paula attended the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale where
she earned a degree in Culinary Arts in 1999. That education proceeded a
young love affair with cooking spent in her family-owned restaurants in
Massachusetts and, later, in South Florida. After graduating, she joined the
Marriott organization in a kitchen position at 3030 Ocean at the Harbor Beach
Marriott in Fort Lauderdale under Chef Dean James Max. Years of training paid
off when Paula earned a slot on Season 5, in 2009, of FOX’s “Hell’s Kitchen” with
Gordon Ramsey, finishing as the season’s runner-up and fan favorite. After the
show, in 2010, Paula took to South Beach as the executive chef of 1500 Degrees
at the illustrious Eden Roc Hotel. The chic farm-to-table concept earned rave
reviews and popular acclaim for its soulful, seasonal, rustic cuisine – which have
now become synonymous with Paula’s style of cooking.
Carissa DaSilva started her own culinary career from a simple hobby that she
grew into a little pastry shop called For the Love of Sweets in her hometown of
Sebring, Florida. There, she would produce orders for custom cakes, pastries
and cupcakes for special occasions for her customers. Eventually, Carissa found
herself moving to South Florida where she joined Paula DaSilva in opening
Artisan Beach House at the Ritz-Carlton in Bal Harbor.
Carissa’s next venture would take her to be the Pastry Sous Chef Seminole
Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood and the famous “Guitar Hotel.” In
2020, Carissa jumped into the private club sector and joined the team at the
Lauderdale Yacht Club where she spent close to one year developing their pastry
program. She then spent a year revamping the Pasty program at Mizner Country
Club in Delray in 2021. Carissa most recently accepted the Pastry Chef Position
at the Harbor Beach Marriott Resort and Spa in Fort Lauderdale, where she will
use her passion to create amazing desserts throughout the hotel. Carissa was
most recently featured in an article from The Whet Palette highlighting women
in Miami who are “crushing the pastry mold.”
Details & Reservations: 305-367-5931