About Alessandra

Ciao!

A smiling woman in a chef’s hat and white apron holds a baking tray filled with neatly arranged uncooked ravioli. She stands in front of a white, ridged background.

A woman with short brown hair, wearing a denim jacket, white top, and bright orange pants, stands outdoors with arms outstretched, smiling, with a city and mountains visible in the background.

A woman in a white dress poses and smiles at a tennis stadium, with a large crowd and tennis match happening on the court behind her under bright lights.

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.

Making chicken cutlets with my Nonna Pompea.

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.

A young woman stands, smiling and hugging an elderly man who is seated at a dining table with a bowl of pasta. Both are smiling at the camera. The table is set with dishes and a glass of white wine. Artwork decorates the wall behind them.

A smiling young woman stands next to an elderly man holding a glass and sitting at a table with pastries, cakes, and a birthday candle. They appear happy, celebrating in a cozy, well-lit room.

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.

Two women cooking at a kitchen demo. The woman in front, wearing a red apron, is smiling while cooking food in a frying pan, while the woman in green behind her prepares food. Eggs and plates are on the counter.

A plate of golden, crispy fried balls being drizzled with honey, with a package labeled plain goat cheese and a kitchen in the background.

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!

Explore my latest press and media features here.