Chef Gwen Gulliksen 

Travel the World this Christmas!

On the menu:

• French Baked Brie with Roasted Pears & Thyme Infused Honey
• Italian Stuffed Cappelletti in Rich Buttered Broth with Parmesan Reggiano
• American Baked Christmas Ham with Fresh Herb Crust, Scalloped Potatoes & Glazed Carrots
• New Zealand Mixed Berry Pavlova with Dark Chocolate Drizzle

Meet Chef Gwen Gulliksen:

After receiving her Master’s degree in Italian Renaissance art history from UVA, Gwen spent time in Italy & France where she cultivated deep interest in food and wine; where it comes from, how it was grown, how it is prepared and served and the history behind it. That led her to continue her education in the culinary arts via the American Culinary Federation where she first became a culinary apprentice then after many years of experience a certified executive chef, certified culinary educator and a certified culinary administrator. Her profession and international culinary awards have taken all around the world including the 2 Michelin star restaurant kitchens of Jean Louis Palladin, to the prestigious School for American Chefs at Beringer Vineyards with Madeleine Kamman, the winery kitchens of Robert Modavi and Prince Michel, Paris with grants from Julia Child, Mexico with Lula Bertran, Italy; Greece; Panama; Hong Kong, Bali and Australia with Crystal Cruise Lines and, being the founding executive chef at the prestigious Getty Center Art Museum in LA California where she led a team of over 100 chefs.

After cheffing for ten years, Gwen spent another ten years with the best small sustainable organic family farmers in CA as vice president for the largest specialty produce company in the US followed by starting her own specialty produce company and also creating the first national retail organic kale salad during which time she became increasingly inspired by the Santa Monica Farmer’s Market and California wine making.

After the death of her father, Gwen moved to Wilmington, NC to be closer to her family and started teaching culinary arts at Cape Fear Community College for five years where she became the Director and also began the culinary college program at SEATECH. During the pandemic, Gwen felt a calling to start teaching culinary arts at GLOW, all girls title one national leadership school, where she has been for the last five years inspiring amazing young women how to cook delicious, nutritious, garden-fresh foods for themselves and their families. Gwen is actively involved with Wilmington’s food insecurity programs via grant writing and cooking including; WillowDale Farms, The Martin Luther King Community Center Kitchen, Bladen Community College Community Enrichment Program, Eden Village, Meals on Wheels, FDE and continues to fund culinary scholarships at CFCC.

Cooking food for others and sharing the history and stories behind the ingredients is her passion. Her background and culinary education are extensive. Chef Gwen looks forward to cooking for you at The Seasoned Gourmet. Bon Appetit!