At Tara-Peri Chicken™, we offer fresh food with an innovative take on traditional cooking methods, fine ingredients and the legacy of our shared culinary heritage.
We intend to bring Southern African (with their cultural influences, including European) and Southern American cuisines to the forefront and let their distinctive flavors and particular regional character shine. It is time.
Experience
Chef & Culinary Expert at Williams-Sonoma
2019 – 2020 Pittsburgh, PA
Cooking class instruction and daily food preparation for store presentations
Corporate and Event Caterer at La Prima Food Group
1996 – 1998 Washington, DC
La Prima Catering is rated “Best Green Caterer” as the leading corporate and social caterer on the east coast
Education
Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production Internal Auditor at International Register of Certificated Auditors
2013 – Present Los Angeles, CA
.
Harvard ManageMentor® certifications at Harvard Business School
2014 – Present
Presentation Skills • Feedback Essentials • Coaching • Time Management • Innovation & Creativity • Innovation Implementation • Team Leadership
ServSafe® Food Protection Manager certifications at National Restaurant Association
2022 – 2027
B.A., English, Communication & Humanities at University of Pittsburgh
2013 Pittsburgh, PA
Awards
Original Winning Recipe, Maine Lobster Promotion Council (MLPC)
Herbed Bread Pudding with Maine Lobster & Cassava with a Tangerine Coulis
Exhibitions
Dessert Tables Farmers’ Market
Market Square Farmers’ Market Downtown Pittsburgh
In collaboration with the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, we're here on Thursdays throughout the summer.
Taste how sweet the sugar-free life can be!
Dessert Tables Outdoor Market
Trader Jack's Heidelberg, PA
Our most popular cookies and pastries are available at Trader Jack's every Sat. and Sun.—yes, including the pineapple ones!
BAKE IT! Food Festival with Baking Demos
GoodTaste! Pittsburgh Food Festival Pittsburgh, PA
GoodTaste! Pittsburgh is excited to bring a new and unique show to W. Pennsylvania - BAKE IT!
Sunday, March 12, 2023
Sheraton Station Square
1:00pm – 6:00pm
I Made It! Farmer's Market
The Block Northway Ross Township, PA
We're located in The Block Northway Farmer's Market every Friday this summer. Visit us to get your traditional and sugar-free items and chat with us!
Last-Minute Market Outdoor Holiday Market
I Made It! Strip District, PA
Visit us in the Strip District on Dec. 17th to get your last-minute holiday gifts—food, gift baskets, Mom's cookbooks and more!
I Made It! store Retail
The Mall at Robinson Robinson, PA
Our retail products (cookies, salsas, gift baskets and more) are available in this store, located on the ground floor.
South Park Community Day Town Fair
South Park Fairgrounds South Park, PA
Join us at this annual outdoor event; our most popular handmade sauces, jams, seasonings and pastries will be there!
Date & Time: Sat., Sept. 15, 2018 12pm-dusk
Williams-Sonoma® Local Artisans Market Market
The Galleria Mt. Lebanon, PA
Join us on the 1st Sat. of each month for sampling and sale of our sweet and savory goodies!
Next Date & Time: Sat., Oct. 6, 2018 from 12-4pm
Williams-Sonoma® Cooking Class Series Discovering Roots: Portuguese Cooking
The Galleria Mt. Lebanon, PA
CLASS MENU: Peri-Peri Chicken, Roasted Oregano Potatoes, Salada Algarvia, Sangria & Olive Oil Cake
Date & Time: Fri., August 24, 2018 at 6:30pm
Williams-Sonoma® Cooking Demo Philips® Air-Fryer Demo
The Galleria Mt. Lebanon, PA
Learn Tara’s healthy crispy air-fried chicken techniques!
You won’t want to miss her kitchen magic.
Date & Time: Sat., April 7, 2018 at 12:00pm
Williams-Sonoma® Cooking Class Series Lenten Meal Ideas
The Galleria Mt. Lebanon, PA
CLASS MENU: Vinho Verde-Poached Citrus Salmon, Layered Salad, Toasted Almond Rice Pilaf & Sweet Potato Frittata
Date & Time: Fri., March 2, 2018 at 6:30pm
Williams-Sonoma® Cooking Class Series Jambalaya!
The Galleria Mt. Lebanon, PA
Tara will be showing you how to make authentic Creole Jambalaya, featuring her famous Jambalaya Seasoning!
Date & Time: Sun., October 15, 2017 at 12:00pm
The Lynne Hayes-Freeland Show Television
CBS affiliates WPCW & KDKA Pittsburgh, PA
Catch us on The Lynne Hayes-Freeland Show on Sat. & Sun., Dec. 23rd and Christmas Eve, at 7:30am & 6:00am respectively!