Private Chef Geneva Collins

I am Geneva Collins, a native of Brooklyn, NY, and raised by West Indian parents. During my upbringing, I observed the culinary expertise of both the men and women in my family. At 17, I started assisting my father at his restaurants in Staten Island, where I eagerly honed my cooking skills alongside him. Being a quick learner, I developed a profound passion for cooking, inspired by my dining experiences at various eateries.

The thrill of savoring diverse dishes at restaurants sparked my ambition to recreate those flavors at home. The joy I found in replicating and experimenting with a range of recipes further fueled my love for the culinary arts.

My father, a chef, mentored me in the realms of soul food and Caribbean cuisines when I was just 17. Surrounded by chefs and cooks in my family, I immersed myself in the culinary world. Participating in season 13 of MasterChef showcased my deep appreciation for how food brings people together and the artistry involved. I pride myself on being reliable, a perfectionist, and I delight in crafting new dishes or putting a unique spin on traditional recipes.

For me, cooking is...

For me, cooking is a creative and fulfilling expression of my passion for food and a way to bring people together through delicious flavors and shared

I learned to cook at...

I learned to cook at the age of 17 while assisting my father at his restaurants in Staten Island.

A cooking secret...

My secret in the kitchen lies in my music playlist, high-quality ingredients, and the culmination of everything I've learned from dining out and famil