Meet Chef Jessica Monroe

Hi there, I’m Jessica Monroe, a 35-year-old chef, mother, and unapologetic lover of butter, based in Asheville, North Carolina. I wasn’t born with a whisk in my hand, but I did grow up in a kitchen where the scent of cinnamon rolls on Sunday mornings was as reliable as the sunrise. My mom taught me early that food is more than sustenance—it’s comfort, it’s culture, and sometimes, it’s the best way to say ‘I love you.’

My journey into the culinary world wasn’t a straight line. I studied sociology in college, worked in a bookstore, and even flirted with becoming a teacher. But I kept coming back to the kitchen. There was something about the rhythm of chopping vegetables, the alchemy of turning simple ingredients into something that made people close their eyes in delight, that called to me.

At 30, I took a leap and enrolled in a local culinary program. I was the oldest student in the class and probably the only one who brought Tupperware full of homemade stews for lunch. But I loved every second. I apprenticed at a few small bistros and eventually started a pop-up supper club that blossomed into a full-time gig.

These days, I run a cozy farm-to-table café nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. My food philosophy is simple: seasonal, soulful, and a little indulgent. I believe a good meal doesn’t have to be complicated, and that cooking should be joyful, not stressful. I’m not afraid to admit that I’ve burned more than one batch of cookies and once confused salt for sugar in a lemon pie (it was…memorable). But I’ve learned to laugh and keep stirring.

I especially love connecting with other women who are navigating the beautiful chaos of daily life. Whether you’re feeding a family, cooking for one, or trying to spice up your weekly routine, I’m here to share, inspire, and remind you that there’s magic in a well-seasoned skillet and a pinch of creativity. Let’s cook with heart, celebrate our wins (and flops), and always make room for dessert.