About Me | baby cocinera

Hi, I'm Denise.

I'm a Brooklyn-based cook and product designer, born and raised in East Los Angeles.

I studied graphic design at Loyola Marymount University (’15) and later followed a longtime dream by attending the Institute of Culinary Education in 2022. As a first-gen Mexican-American, I draw a lot of inspiration from my culture and the people who shaped me—it shows up in the way I cook and the stories I want to tell through food.

Culinary school opened a door I’d always wanted to walk through and made me want to share what I learned with anyone who might not have access to that kind of training. This site is my way of passing along the techniques and knowledge that changed how I cook.

Since graduating, I’ve cooked with Chef Flynn McGarry at his restaurant, Gem, in Manhattan. Starting as a prep cook and working the line—an experience that sharpened my skills and deepened my love for professional kitchens.

These days I’m taking on freelance culinary projects and working toward becoming a private chef, with a long-term dream of opening my own butcher shop.

Denise

I’m a Brooklyn-based cook and product designer, born and raised in East Los Angeles.

I studied graphic design at Loyola Marymount University (’15) and later followed a longtime dream by attending the Institute of Culinary Education in 2022. As a first-gen Mexican-American, I draw a lot of inspiration from my culture and the people who shaped me—it shows up in the way I cook and the stories I want to tell through food.

Culinary school opened a door I’d always wanted to walk through and made me want to share what I learned with anyone who might not have access to that kind of training. This site is my way of passing along the techniques and knowledge that changed how I cook.

Since graduating, I’ve cooked with Chef Flynn McGarry at his restaurant, Gem, in Manhattan. Starting as a prep cook and working the line, an experience that sharpened my skills and deepened my love for professional kitchens.

These days I’m taking on freelance culinary projects and working toward becoming a private chef, with a long-term dream of opening my own butcher shop.

Denise