Chef Manager Milena Jimenez
Milena Jimenez is excited to lead Friends Seminary’s dining service program as Chef Manager. Prior to joining Cater To You, Milena put her culinary talent to use as a chef manager in a corporate setting. She holds a degree in Culinary Arts and Hotel Restaurant Management.
Milena’s culinary inspiration originally came from watching her grandmother who owned a Polish delicacy store in Jersey City, New Jersey. There, Milena would observe her creating kielbasa, stuffed cabbage, and pierogies. Now, at Friends Seminary, she enjoys creating different dishes and experimenting with various flavor profiles. “I consider cooking a form of art,” Milena explains, “and love to make unique dishes with my own twists.” Her main areas of expertise are traditional American, Asian, European, and Italian foods.
Chef Milena was born in Poland and came to the United States when she was in second grade. Having European roots influenced her cooking because she still gravitates towards using spices that are common in Polish cuisine. “I love to cook with dill, cabbage, and potatoes,” she says. “These, in my opinion, are staple foods around the country.” But, her all-time favorite dish to create is a juicy skirt steak with a spicy cilantro lime crema, accompanied by sticky rice and roasted asparagus.
Chef Milena loves spending time with her family. When she is not busy in the kitchen, they go on walks and hikes with their English Bull Terrier, Max. Occasionally, she also likes to style hair for family and friends.