Chef Linsday, a Laguna Beach native, is the embodiment of ambition. Her journey began when she opened her first restaurant at only 26 years of age, and her second, Nirvana by Chef Lindsa, at 28. Throughout the last 17 years, she honed her craft, becoming a culinary expert and deepening her passion for cooking. Participating in every aspect of restaurant life and work, her experience is self-taught. Though her unrivaled drive to provide the community with healthy, sustainable food was inspired by her upbringing.
Growing up with her mother, an Ayurvedic Doctor, Chef Lindsay learned early on that pure, organic foods were integral to maintaining a healthy mind and body. Now she imbues this knowledge into her illustrious seasonal menus. Lindsay’s cuisine is inspired by many European countries, like Greece and Spain. Regardless of her inspiration, her menu is always derived from what's local, what's fresh, what's in season.” Thus, most of her meals can be made gluten-free, vegan, or vegetarian if customers have dietary restrictions or preferences. She will always cater to the tastes of her customers and will never include GMOs, cross-pollinated produce, or seed oil in her cuisine.
While Chef Lindsay has a strong passion for healthy meals, she also finds creativity in their design and holds a deep sentimental value to food. Realizing that food was synonymous with family, she explained, “It was the thing that always brought everybody together as a group. And was closely tied to my olfactory and sensory experience, like, when I tasted something, it evoked a memory; when I smelt something, it reminded me of a moment.” Her upbringing, combined with her culinary expertise, is what motivated Lindsay to not only serve sustainable food but also to educate the public so that they may make conscious, healthy decisions too.
The Chef has successfully built Nirvana into a home away from home filled with an abundance of flavor, hospitality, and understanding. She extends this consideration to her mental well-being and the well-being of her staff, too. The restaurant is open five days a week, Tuesday through Saturday, allowing for her team to maintain a healthy work-life balance. The food industry, she noted, is highly rewarding and equally demanding. Often, individuals within the industry face mental and physical health challenges. On Lindsay’s days off, she cherishes her time with her sons and encourages her employees to truly live and experience life instead of simply surviving. This is in the hopes of ensuring staff and diners are happy and have wonderful experiences, no matter their role.
Lindsay’s indomitable ambition has roused her to expand her business greatly, with Nirvana now providing catering services and handmade wooden cutting, butter, or charcuterie boards. Additionally, connecting with the public through food has led Chef Lindsay to branch out and support her community in many other ways as well. Whether it be by donating meals to various charities, teaching high school football players how to meal prep, or establishing cooking classes and ladies' events, she is always pushing herself further in the pursuit of helping others and “creating positive change wherever I can.”
In the near future, Chef Lindsay plans to publish her first cookbook, host more ladies' nights, and introduce men’s, couples, and dating nights where people can connect, cook, and relax. During October, she will be showcasing her new Fall menu consisting of hearty, comfort food, and seasonal delights. No matter when you visit Nirvana, Chef Lindsay’s philosophy of food will be evident: “It’s not just about food – it’s about sharing moments, creating memories, and enjoying the good things in life.”
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