The Chef’s Loft™ is commited to Hands On Culinary Education
The Chef’s Loft will give you a “Hands On” learning experience taught by working Chefs and and Industry professionals. Class size is limited. Class participants will also enjoy exclusive access to special culinary events and experiences around the world.
Experience the Joy of Learning at The Chef’s Loft!
The Instructors and Guest Chefs
Lizbeth Congiusti
Sassy Sommelier
Lizbeth is author of Sip, Swirl, Savor A Wine Tasting Guide and Journal and is a frequent guest on Arizona Midday 12 News where she presents information on all things wine. She has completed her studies as a Level II Sommelier through the International Sommelier Guild. Lizbeth acted as Chief Wine Judge for the Arizona State Fair 2004, 2005 & 2006. She created a Wine Education Lecture series for the Scottsdale Community College and has been a guest speaker at the Scottsdale and Chandler Libraries, Thunderbird Wine Club and Scottsdale Community College Culinary School. Lizbeth is a member of Premium Toastmasters, past President of the club and is head of the Speakers Bureau for The Harp Foundation of Phoenix.
Her experience includes Wine Lectures at the Scottsdale Community College, Thunderbird School of Management Wine Club, Scottsdale Library System, and Chandler Gilbert Community College. For fortune 500 Aon Corporation/Combined Insurance and General Mills Lizbeth presented Wine Tasting & Etiquette programs. You may have hear her speaking on Good Libations, the Wine Show.
Lizbeth was the Manager of Alcohol Beverage Programs for United Airlines. She worked with Wine Consultant Bob Thompson, Master Sommelier Madeline Triffon and Dom Perignon Wine Maker Dominique Foulon.
Lizbeth’s experience includes the design and development of creative training programs for 25,000 flight attendants. These creative programs include an on line voice system, web based catalogue, demonstration videos and newsletters to meet the demanding schedules and learning needs of a diverse, traveling and universal work force.
Her civic/social activities: Co-Leader of Hospitality Management at her church, member of The American Institute of Wine & Food, volunteer for Meals on Wheels Celebrity Chef Gala, event coordinator for United We Care Wine Tasting. She supports the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s efforts to find a cure. As head of the Speakers Bureau for The Harp Foundation she loves making others aware of the healing music the harp can bring to those in critical need.
Lisa Buzeo
Chef Aramis Villegas
The culinary world has been his passion as well as pastime, for a long time. His childhood was filled with fun memories all revolving around food, family and strong Puerto Rican traditions and customs. Also memories of finding the smallest excuses to get together celebrate and eat delicious food.
After being able to stand in front of the stove, all the gatherings took a different turn now not only as a participant but the helper of those cooking. The joy and confidence from these experiences were the greatest feeling he could have at such a young age.
While in college, Chef Villegas decided to go a different direction, so he joined the US Marine Corps, an accelerated and unforgettable time. The college education, Marines, and a career in the always changing field of telecommunications helped develop a wide variety of tools like, leadership, commitment, judgment, dependability and courage that would allow him to succeed in many different aspects.
After realizing many dreams, there was one that still needed completion becoming a Professional Chef. Chef Villegas enrolled in the Le Cordon Blue Culinary Management Program at the internationally acclaimed Scottsdale Culinary Institute in Scottsdale, Arizona. After graduating with the highest marks of his class and all the Honors a student could achieve, he established PARADISUS Culinary Solutions. PARADISUS is a boutique culinary services provider that specializes in particularly stylish offerings.
As Personal Chef and Caterer, Chef Villegas has prepared intimate dinners and special events for a wide variety of top executives, from executives at the largest private higher education provider in the world to individuals at the most recognized multinational telecommunications company.
Not only he has work with top rated companies, but frequently he donates his time and talent to support local charities, as a reminder that we have to support those I need, to make sure our community’s strength increases to an unimaginable level.
Every solution he provides, whether Personal Chef, Catering, Culinary Classes or Consulting is designed to meet your requirements and exceed your expectations. Quality, efficiency and aesthetic beauty are the keywords that have launch and sustained his remarkable success in the very competitive Culinary Industry.
Rae Darden
Rae, who is a writer and registered nurse, has worked in hospitals, schools and clinics. Most recently, she retired from the city of Scottsdale as a resource specialist where she remained passionate about health promotion and exercise. She received her nursing degree from ASU and taught nutrition workshops at Paradise Valley Community College, Phoenix, AZ. Rae currently belongs to the American Public Health Association and is a former advisory member of the Arizona Governor’s Council on Health, Physical Fitness and Sports.
