Meet Our Chef

The kitchen is my passion. I have been baking longer than I have been cooking—I started taking pastry classes when I was 17 years old. The first cake I made was for my first-born niece. It was made with so much love and dedication. It wasn’t perfect, but it was my first cake, and it filled me with happiness and pride! These same emotions still come over me whenever I create a new dish.

In 2019, an unexpected opportunity arose when someone approached me about featuring my desserts in their restaurant. Excited yet faced with the challenge of meeting the demand, I knew I needed a commercial kitchen. Thankfully, my sister Judith, my unwavering supporter, stepped in to help find the perfect space for our baking endeavors. Landing in the heart of downtown Ripon was a stroke of luck.

While our original plans focused on expanding our baking and pastry offerings, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic prompted unexpected changes. Despite the challenges, we adapted, pivoting to offering dinners to-go to meet the community's needs. Their warm reception and Judith's unwavering faith in me fueled our journey.. Something that began with much caution and fear has blossomed into something fulfilling and truly wonderful.

I pour a piece of myself into each dish, each cake, each dessert. I invest my time and soul. I speak to the ingredients when selecting them, or as they grow in the garden, then magic happens when they come together.

I firmly believe that cooking is one of the best ways to show people that we care. I hope you’ll allow me to serve and nourish your body and soul through our dishes.

With love,
Chef Marilu

Meet Our Team

LEAD STAFF

Judith Valenzuela
She is here just for fun and to boss around

Marilu Valenzuela
Executive Chef