Irena Chalmers

Irena Chalmers is recognized as the pioneer of the single subject cookbook. Her many engaging books have sold over 18 million copies and have won numerous awards; the most recent, the 2013 Gourmand Special Jury Award for Great Food Jobs 2: Ideas and Inspiration for Your Job Search. Her first volume, FOOD JOBS: 150 Great Jobs for Culinary Students, Career Changers and Food Lovers, received the Gourmand World Cookbook Award - Best Book for Food Professionals in the U.S. and Best Book for Food Professionals in the World.

A James Beard Foundation "Who's Who" of Food and Beverage in America award recipient, Irena has delighted and captivated audiences and readers with her wit and commentary on the food world and its many trends. She is a past president and founding member of the International Association of Culinary Professionals and Les Dames d'Escoffier. Irena is a member of the faculty of the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY, a national food essayist and columnist for Chef magazine, and a culinary mentor to many.