Meet Lisa Reilly of Bistro a Casa

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Reilly.

Lisa, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My connection to food and love of cooking began with my mother. She was a fabulous cook who taught me the way around an Italian kitchen at an early age. When my mom started a small catering business, I would spend hours working with her, helping to prepare food for clients and cleaning the kitchen. After graduating Villanova University, I spent many years working as a nurse in a trauma unit in Philadelphia, then transitioned into a marketing career in Boston’s biotech industry. As my career advanced, I noticed a common job interview question was “If you could do anything you wanted, what would it be?” Without hesitation, I always answered “I would be a professional chef”. After years of saying this with so much conviction, I started to wonder what it would take to make it happen. It took over a year of research, planning and organizing for me to finally make the leap and enroll at Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Institute.

I founded Bistro a Casa because I believe meals should be made with real food that’s delicious, healthy and prepared with our environment in mind. I’m passionate about using only fresh ingredients in my recipes, creating delicious and nourishing meals for my clients. Combining my nursing background, my love of cooking and a healthy lifestyle is the perfect recipe for my personal chef services.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It’s been a thrilling ride from my first day of culinary school. Every day my amazing chef instructors challenged me to try new things, get out of my comfort zone and let my creativity take over. I graduated class valedictorian from culinary school, and loved every minute of it. When I founded Bistro a Casa my biggest challenge was getting my name “out there”. I spent an enormous amount of time reaching out to local organizations, participating in fund raisers and taking advantage of old-fashioned advertising to get the amazing clients I have.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Bistro a Casa story. Tell us more about the business.
Bistro a Casa was founded on the principals of cooking with food that is fresh, in season and sustainably sourced. I specialize in creating tailored menu plans for my clients using only natural ingredients, nothing processed. I am most proud of sharing my passion for eating clean, real and nutritious meals with my clients every day. My background as a Registered Nurse provides me with the knowledge to meet unique nutritional and dietary needs, without sacrificing flavor or variety.

Bistro a Casa offers personal chef services in the Boston Metro area.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I’ve been fortunate, knock on wood! I am extremely lucky to have a supportive family and group of friends. My clients are all wonderful people who have been instrumental in helping me grow my business through their fantastic reviews and references.

Contact Info:

• Address: Waterntown, MA
• Website: www.bistroacasa.com
• Phone: 617.549.8850
• Email: cheflisa@bistroacasa.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bistro-a-Casa-1455231674750777/
• Other: https://www.thumbtack.com/Bistro-a-Casa-Watertown-MA/service/2020510

Image Credit:
Elisabeth Stapleton, Dirtywater Photography

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