Soon after graduating in 1999 from Johnson & Wales University with a BA in Culinary Arts, Paola Petrella went to work for highly acclaimed Chef Norman Van Aken in his Award Winning Restaurant, Norman’s in Coral Gables. At Norman’s, not only did she receive the best training years of her culinary career, but she also met the man who soon became the love of her life and partner Chef Craig Petrella. Paola was invited to collaborate in Chef Norman’s latest cookbook “New World Kitchen”, which was released in 2003. After her years at Norman’s, Paola took her career in another direction and began to cook privately for Miami’s hottest celebrities. When her clients began noticing the positive change in their bodies with Paola’s cuisine, she instantly developed a passion for healthy cooking with a twist. In 2001, she was invited by Cristina Saralegui to write healthy cooking tips and articles in her monthly magazine “Cristina”. Paola also appeared in several of her talk shows, promoting cooking tips and healthy recipes for the Latin audience in her segment called, “El Club de La Salud”. After working for Cristina, Paola went on to work one on one with other private clients in Miami Beach and successfully reached their dietary goals. She moved with her husband Craig Petrella and newborn son to Los Angeles in 2003, and quickly established herself as the Chef among the Stars. Her unique talent and passion for healthy cooking have opened many doors, such as creating customized recipes for celebrity personal trainers who have developed their own diet programs. She now works directly with an A-list clientele who rely on Chef Paola’s daily creations to look great, feel great and eat delicious food! In 2006 she opened Two Peas Inc. with her husband and partner. She resides in LA with her husband and two beautiful children, Thomas 5, and Sophia 3.
Chef Craig began to define his culinary future in 1996 at the historic Vinoy Hotel in St. Petersburg, Florida. It was under the direction of his first mentor Chef Thomas Chin, that he honed his skills and prepared himself for what was going to be the major turning point in his career.
In 1998 he moved to Miami to work for the man he had been doing much research and culinary preparation for many years: acclaimed Chef Norman Van Aken. His four-year tutelage at Norman’s resulted in a quick rise of position and ultimately landed him the top post of Chef de Cuisine of Norman’s, Coral Gables, in 2002.
His fast learning abilities and natural genius talent in the kitchen allowed Chef Craig to have crucial input in the opening of Norman’s on Sunset.
In 2003 Petrella moved with his wife and newborn son to Los Angeles, Ca, for his Hollywood debut as the Executive Chef of Norman’s on the Sunset Strip. Within 3 months of its opening, it received a respected 3 stars from the LA Times.
In 2002, Chef Craig was nominated by the James Beard foundation for best rising chef award.
His well-rounded culinary skills and fine dining experience has been the inspiration and success behind Two Peas Boutique Catering and Air Cuisine.
Craig and his wife Paola reside in Los Angeles with their two children. Chef Craig is also a very dedicated family man, which also brings a very important balance into his life.