Zuma Organic

Hi! My name is Bonnie and I have been in the Food & Beverage industry for over 13 years. I LOVE to cook and I love to teach others how to be a success in the kitchen.  In my life, there is nothing more satisfying than creating a healthy home cooked meal (from the heart) and watching my family enjoy it.

I am a stay at home mom with a beautiful five year old daughter and a husband who is my guinea pig in the kitchen! I love every minute of it! I began my career at The Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel in the Food & Beverage department. There I learned the details of running three busy restaurants and the care it takes to organize a professional kitchen. Under the wings of Executive Chef Urs Balmer, I learned to love not only food, but the rich, amazing soul purposed life of being a taste creator.

I became Executive Chef of VODA in Santa Monica in 1999 and my real love of food began.  I was lucky to be among a handful of female chefs who were able to work in the industry we loved.  It did help that my husband owned the restaurant, but his attention to detail kept my creative juices flowing, always trying to please the toughest critic!

My husband now owns three amazing restaurants – Anisette Brasserie (Santa Monica), Pearl Dragon (Pacific Palisades) and Falcon (Hollywood).  Our marriage, friendship and family does revolve around food and we would not have it any other way!

Besides owning and operating Zuma Organic, I also currently own and operate a catering company with my partner, Jil Baldi, and we specialize in weddings, cocktail parties & corporate events. You can visit our website at www.cherrypiecatering.com or simply click the link to the left.  I am also developing an herb, spice & aromatherapy line that will enhance the dishes I cook and teach.  Some are available now, so check the shop for availability.

Cooking provides me an amazing creative outlet, where I am free to explore to my hearts content. For many people, cooking is stressful and time consuming, especially with kids running around! I want to encourage you to learn simple, carefree meals, that are not only healthy and delicious, but easy and non-threatening!

I look forward to sharing my love of food with you soon!