"ILENA TOVIA"!
Let's get into some exclusive questions...
STANDISH: What is the first thing you ever remember cooking?
I must have been 3 years old. My dad and I went fishing and I caught a trout. He taught me how to prep and cook it on an open fire. Best memory ever.
STANDISH: Who is someone you looked up to as a child & still do today?
My mother and father. They always encouraged me to be creative and follow the fire in my belly.
STANDISH: What is something you hate doing in the kitchen?
Complicated recipes.
STANDISH: What was the most nerve racking part of being on Next Level Chef?
Forgetting to make a sauce. I completely panicked and it showed. I’d never been in a competition before. The combination of running to grab food, come up with something and cook it in minutes all while Gordon is standing in front of you.
STANDISH: How was working with Gordon Ramsay?
He’s an icon. He comes across as intimidating but he was so kind to me and he really loves my cooking videos
STANDISH: Did you expect to land Next Level Chef?
Casting had reached out to me expressing interest. Went through several interviews and got the call that I made it in the show. I knew I had to give it a try. Life is about experiences.
STANDISH: What is your favorite food for take out? Why?
Actually I like fast food from Wendy’s. It’s an occasional treat.
STANDISH: Tell the readers your reoccurring kitchen nightmare…
When I clean and close my kitchen for the evening only to wake up at 7am to a sink full of dishes.
STANDISH: What is the most underrated cooking ingredient in your opinion?
Frozen puff pastry.
STANDISH: What do you listen to while you chef it up?
Classical is my go to jam.
STANDISH: How many times a week does the walk-in cooler hear your screams?
Hubby is pretty good about keeping it stocked. We buy in bulk for out big family
STANDISH: If you could change one thing in the world today, what would that be?
Everyone gets to be their full, loud, glorious self—and the world would clap, not cringe
STANDISH: What are your social links?
TikTok- mommailena
IG- mommailena
FB - Iléna Tovia (mommailena)
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Thanks so much for your time! If you'd like an exclusive interview with Standish, please email:
Standish@Standish913.com