Aida Mollenkamp With a diverse culinary background and a passion for sharing her knowledge with food enthusiasts, cooking expert Aida Mollenkamp will prepare delicious dishes while providing answers to questions submitted by Food Network viewers in her new interactive cooking show, Ask Aida. From recipe and ingredient issues to advice on kitchen machinery and tools, Aida can even offer guidance for impromptu parties, feeding a crowd, make-ahead dishes and time-saving tips.
Growing up with an Italian-American mother and a French stepmother, Aida was always surrounded by good food. Eventually, she made her way into the kitchen and discovered her true passion for cooking. In the years since, Aida has worked everywhere from a gourmet deli and the test kitchen at California Pizza Kitchen to the Hotel Bel Air and, most recently, at CHOW.com.
Having studied Hospitality Management at Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration, Aida worked at Ernst & Young in Hotel and Restaurant Consulting before traveling to Europe to attend culinary school at the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu Paris. She lived between Florence, Italy and Paris, France for two years, and graduated with a Grand Diplôme in 2004.
In January 2005, Aida joined the editorial staff at San Francisco-based CHOW.com, a website created for food and drink enthusiasts. As the Food Editor, Aida fulfills many roles. She regularly appears in instructional videos for the site, serves as an expert spokesperson, runs the test kitchen, works as a lead food stylist, develops recipes and writes informative articles.
When not working, Aida continues to live the life of a food fiend, whether hunting out the hottest restaurants, searching for the newest artisanal products, or hosting her friends and family at laidback dinner parties and lively cocktail hours. She currently resides in San Francisco.
Beginning August 2, Ask Aida will air Saturdays at 12:30pm/11:30c on Food Network.
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