Chef Samantha Love graduated from Nicholls State University in 2009. Love says that she knew she wanted to go to culinary school because she had a passion for cooking and wanted to further her knowledge of the culinary industry. Since graduating from culinary school, Love married fellow Nicholls graduate, Scott Love, and the couple moved to Baltimore to further their careers.
Love has had the opportunity to work with many well-known chefs over the years such as Phillip Mariano, and Aaron Sanchez. Love moved her way up in restaurants in Baton Rouge and Baltimore before being offered her current role as the Executive Chef of Gordon Ramsay Steak Baltimore.
Q: What did you originally want to do with a culinary degree?
A: When I originally went to culinary school I thought I wanted to be a pastry chef, but that quickly changed. However, I still do love to bake and decorate cakes.
Q: What is your favorite project that you have worked on so far?
A: Opening up Gordon Ramsay Steak Baltimore is by far my favorite project thus far in my career. It is such an honor and a privilege to work for Chef Gordon Ramsay. My job is amazing because I am responsible for all operations of the restaurant!
Q: How important do you think that culinary school was to your success?
A: Culinary school was very important to my success, it gave me the knowledge and skills needed to be successful.
Q: What did you learn at CJFCI that still impacts you today?
A: One thing I still remember to this day that I tell my staff constantly is something that Chef Randy Cheramie said in one of my first classes. He told us that “Chefs show up”! To me, this has still been very impactful. No matter what illness, weather, personal issue, etc. you always show up.
Q: What advice would you like to share with young culinarians?
A: Enjoy your time in culinary school! Give it your all, try everything and take advantage of every opportunity that the school has to offer. It will only help make you better and help with your future!
