231 NW 11th Ave

Portland, OR 97209

6302 SW Meadows Road

Lake Oswego, 97035

(503) 248-2015
 

Louisa Neumann

Louisa's introduction to the professional kitchen began as a teenager when she worked as a prep cook at a small French bistro.  After earning a degree in political science from Wheaton College near Boston, she attended culinary school at La Varenne in Burgundy, France . While in France, Louisa tested recipes for cookbook author Anne Willan and worked at a Michelin star restaurant in Provence.  She has honed her skills in fine dining restaurants in the states as well.

Her passion for food naturally lead to her interest in gardening; Louisa spent a couple summers gardening on Martha's Vineyard before landing in Chicago where she spent several years working as a cooking instructor.  Her creativity and energy easily translate to the kitchen classroom where she takes joy in teaching others. 

When it comes to her own cooking, Louisa loves making delicious dishes out of otherwise humble ingredients.  While she does appreciate the perfect cheesy Gougères or chocolate soufflé, Louisa finds the simplest recipes most rewarding: "In winter, there's nothing better than simply roasting a chicken with butter and lemon, braising short ribs or making a creamy potato gratin," she explains.  "In the summer time, grilling just about anything outside is the way to go. I'm really into canning jams too.  And I've been known to eat an entire watermelon in one sitting."