Head Chef & Co-Founder @Chefs in Schools | Author of Salt Butter Bones & Magic Soup
In the world of culinary innovation and social impact, Nicole Pisani stands out as a trailblazer. Her journey is a captivating story of transforming the food scene from high-end restaurants to school kitchens with flair and purpose. Nicole started her career crafting exquisite dishes as the Head Chef at London’s renowned NOPI, a culinary hotspot created by Yotam Ottolenghi, and later at Anna Hansen’s Modern Pantry. Known for her inventive use of spices and fresh ingredients, Nicole’s creations delighted diners and set new standards for flavor and creativity. But Nicole’s impact didn’t stop at the restaurant doors. In 2014, she took a bold leap into school food reform, first as Executive Chef at Gayhurst Primary School and then at the LEAP Federation in Hackney. Her passion for transforming school canteens led to the creation of "Chefs in Schools," a revolutionary initiative dedicated to reimagining how children experience food at school.
Through Chefs in Schools, Nicole has championed the integration of vegetable gardens and animal-raising projects into school curriculums. This hands-on approach not only improves the quality of school meals but also educates students about where their food comes from.
Nicole’s influence extends beyond the kitchen with her acclaimed cookbooks, including "Salt, Butter, Bones" and "Magic Soup," which bring her culinary expertise to home kitchens around the world. Her commitment to fighting food poverty is also evident through her role in the #EndChildFoodPoverty campaign, where she works to ensure every child has access to nutritious meals.
During the pandemic, Nicole’s dedication was pivotal in addressing food insecurity. Partnering with organizations like Olio, The Felix Project, and Magic Breakfast, she ensured that children continued to receive the nourishment they needed.
Today, Nicole’s vision thrives in over 80 schools through Chefs in Schools, where she continues to drive change by merging farming, cooking, and education. Nicole Pisani’s journey is a testament to the power of food to inspire, educate, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of countless children.
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