Ciao!
Hello there! I’m Alessandra Ciuffo, I’m an NYC-based chef and aspiring TV personality.
I recently graduated from Fordham University, where I studied Business Administration with concentrations in Marketing and Media Management and Communications. Starting this Fall, I will begin the Culinary Arts program at the Institute of Culinary Education.
FOOD
From a young age, I always felt there was a passion for food that set me apart from others. Growing up in a large Italian family, I was encouraged to get into the kitchen early on. By the age of three, I was standing on stools over the stove, stirring large pots of tomato sauce. Rather than watching cartoons, I’d religiously watch the Food Network and ask for baking equipment instead of dolls. Something about cooking fascinated me; the way a few simple ingredients could transform into something else. It gave me a blank canvas to experiment upon and allowed my creativity to run free.
My love of cooking, paired with my 11-year-old rambunctious personality, led me to begin a career in the culinary media industry. In 2012, I was chosen from a YouTube audition tape to participate in a Web series called “Super Chef Kids.” I was noticed by Jane Street Entertainment, which then cast me on season one of Food Network’s Rachael vs. Guy: Kids Cook-off. I went on to do numerous food demos, fundraisers, and radio interviews. I participated with Guy Fieri at the 2013 NYC Wine and Food Festival, competed and won an episode of Guy’s Grocery Games in 2016, and have appeared in several episodes of the Rachael Ray Show.
While in college, I began a culinary lifestyle brand called “Flavors by Ale.” It began as a long form YouTube channel and has since shifted more towards short form content on TikTok, Instagram, and Youtube Shorts (though I do have plans of continuing long form content after school.) My goal has always been to make cooking approachable and fun for people. I am super passionate and love exploring and experimenting with new flavors and recipes, and I like to think that my passion inspires others to also get in the kitchen.
When I started culinary school, I began sharing day-in-the-life content of what it was like to be a culinary student and that is when things really exploded on my pages. Given this interest in learning foundational techniques and preparations of cooking, I have begun putting an emphasis on educational food content. When I share recipes, I like to include some history or information on the ingredients, techniques and styles being used.
I am so grateful for the immensely supportive community that I have built. This is just the beginning of FlavorsbyAle, I have plans of hosting culinary shows, writing cook books, teaching classes and workshops, selling products and so much more!
