Ria Paz Montes was born in the Philippines and moved to the United States at just six years old, bringing her heritage and passion for food to everything she creates.
Now recognized as one of the leading female chefs in the DMV, Ria centers her culinary approach on sustainability and community, prioritizing locally sourced ingredients that support and uplift fishermen and farmers throughout the Chesapeake region.
“Because we were immigrants, our family meals were moments for us to hold onto our culture. It is a way to stay connected to not only my culture but also my parents and grandparents, it is ingrained in everything I do, but especially in my food.”
