Jersey Strong, Chef Lauren Van Liew is a 2X Food Network champ winning both Chopped Champion and Supermarket Stakeout. This passionate chef with a big personality also owns the successful catering company Chef Covas Catering, known for its exquisite food-focused events and seamless execution of both large-scale and intimate backyard gatherings
FOOD NETWORK CHAMPION & TALK SHOW CHEF
Raised in the nurturing embrace of a large Portuguese family in Newark, New Jersey, Lauren’s culinary journey was deeply influenced by the cultural pillars of family, music, and gastronomy. Her passion for cooking emerged as a creative outlet during her formative years, and she garnered early recognition for her innovative approach to cuisine while working in various local restaurants throughout high school.
She pursued her dream of becoming a professional chef and studied culinary arts at The New England Culinary Institute in Montpelier Vermont, where she received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Culinary Arts. Her studies sent her to travel the country in an array of high-profile culinary settings. Lauren interned at the well-known Boca Raton Country Club and Resort in Boca, Raton Florida. She then headed west to Las Vegas where she worked as the only female chef at the well-established Picasso’s restaurant in the famous Bellagio Hotel and Casino. Armed with a great deal of experience, support and a widening skill set, Lauren relocated to Boston to manage her first restaurant, Mare in Little Italy. After three years at Mare, she returned home to New Jersey to pursue her dream of owning and operating her own restaurant, Chef’s Place. But after too many 17-hour shifts, Lauren decided to close her popular eatery to spend more time with her husband and young sons.
NEW JERSEY CHEF & BEST CATERER IN JERSEY
Chef Van Liew soon opened her family run 5 star catering company in 2013 and Chef Covas Catering was voted Best Caterer in Monmouth County 3 years in a row Monmouth’s Best 2018 & Monmouth’s Best 2019. Lauren was also featured in Health and Life Magazine as “2020 Women to Watch” and has appeared on Inside Edition, New York Live, Daytime Tampa, Daytime Chicago and Good Day Philadelphia.
Lauren’s achievements culminated in her recent accolade as “Chef de l’Avenir – The Chef of the Future” by the International Gastronomy Academy. Her journey reflects not only culinary excellence but also a dedication to her craft, resilience in the face of challenges, and an enduring commitment to family values.
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