Lianne Wadi
Lianne Wadi is a skilled culinary artist and a student at the Culinary Institute of America(CIA) in Hyde Park, New York. With a strong background in restaurant and catering operations, Lianne blends real-world experience with a deep-seated passion for all things food, hospitality, and creative expression.
Before enrolling at the CIA, she earned a degree in Marketing and Entrepreneurship from the University of Minnesota and spent nearly a decade in managerial roles at a restaurant in her hometown. In fulfilling these roles, she took the lead on countless high-volume catering events and helped the Minneapolis-area business evolve with the technological realities of the 21st century.
Currently, Lianne Wadi is focused on refining her chosen craft and finding exciting new ways to celebrate the richness of Middle Eastern cuisine. Whether she’s busy in the kitchen, contributing to the CIA social media marketing team, or competing in regional cooking contests, she works hard to honor her Palestinian roots while pushing herself to explore new ideas and techniques.
Her personal mission is to elevate underrepresented culinary traditions and inspire others through food, storytelling, and innovation. That’s why every dish she creates is a reflection of her core values—authenticity, creativity, and growth.
From a young age, Lianne Wadi has been drawn to three things: the warmth of hospitality, the art of food preparation, and the richness of her Palestinian heritage. These passions, rooted deeply in family tradition and cultural pride, continue to guide her journey as a culinary storyteller and aspiring chef.
A proud first-generation Palestinian-American, Lianne is currently completing her culinary education at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in Hyde Park, New York. There, she’s focused on refining her technique, deepening her creativity, and exploring the connection between identity and cuisine. Many of her recipes are inspired by old-world methods passed down by her elders—recipes that carry the weight of memory and the beauty of home.
Lianne’s culinary point of view blends classical technique with bold regional flavors, reimagining traditional dishes through a contemporary lens. She believes in honoring heritage while pushing creative boundaries. One of her favorite recent creations is a modern, elevated take on warak enab—Palestinian stuffed grape leaves—transformed into a refined plated dish that layers comfort with complexity.
Before entering the culinary world, Lianne earned a degree in Marketing and Entrepreneurship from the University of Minnesota. She spent nearly a decade managing operations at a beloved Minneapolis restaurant, where she led kitchen teams, oversaw large-scale catering events, and implemented tech-driven strategies to grow sales. That hands-on experience taught her the realities of running a restaurant under pressure and laid the foundation for her future as both a chef and a businesswoman.
One of Lianne’s proudest milestones came in 2024, when she managed a high-volume food booth at the Minnesota State Fair. She led the entire operation from setup to execution—handling staff hiring and training, implementing a new POS system, and overseeing daily service. Under her leadership, the team maintained low food and labor costs, minimized waste, and delivered efficient service while achieving record-breaking sales. The experience showcased her ability to run a fast-paced food business with precision, strategy, and composure.
