Meet Chef Carly
Passionate for Culinary Arts
Meet Chef Carly Villanueva, an award-winning chef who has transformed her lifelong passion for cooking into a thriving culinary career. With a degree in Culinary Arts and a deep commitment to her craft, Carly brings creativity, discipline, and bold flavors to every dish she creates. Carly’s culinary journey reflects her unwavering dedication to excellence and her love for bringing people together through food.
Professional Recommendations
2025 Masters Tournament
SHIA - Korean Fine Dining
SHIA - Korean Fine Dining
As a personal chef...
SHIA - Korean Fine Dining
SHIA - Korean Fine Dining
SHIA - Korean Fine Dining
As a professional....
School of Culinary Arts
SHIA - Korean Fine Dining
School of Culinary Arts
As a student.....
Notable Achievements and Distinctions
Chef Carly Recognized as ACF Certified Culinarian
Chef Carly Villanueva is an ACF Certified Culinarian, a distinction awarded by the American Culinary Federation, the largest professional chefs’ organization in North America. This certification recognizes her foundational excellence in culinary skills, professionalism, and commitment to continuing education in the culinary arts. It marks her as a chef who meets nationally recognized standards of quality and dedication in the kitchen.
Member of the prestigious Chaîne des Rôtisseurs
In 2024, Chef Carly Villanueva was proudly inducted into the prestigious Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, an international gastronomic society whose membership is granted by personal invitation only. Her inclusion in this elite community is a testament to her culinary excellence and dedication to the art of fine dining. As part of a global network of professionals and enthusiasts who share a passion for exceptional food and hospitality, Chef Carly gains exclusive access to world-class culinary events, international collaborations, and opportunities to connect with fellow chefs and gourmands across the globe. Her membership reflects not only her skill but also her commitment to upholding the highest standards in the culinary world.
Regional Champion, National Runner-Up in Chaîne Young Chef Competition
Chef Carly Villanueva earned top honors as the Regional Champion of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Young Chef Competition, showcasing her exceptional skill, creativity, and composure under pressure. Advancing to the National Competition, she continued to impress as the Runner-Up, standing out among the country’s most promising young chefs. This prestigious recognition from one of the world’s most respected culinary organizations speaks to Chef Carly’s talent, dedication, and bright future in the culinary arts.
Chef Carly Interns at SHIA, Pioneering Plastic-Free Fine Dining with Chef Edward Lee
Chef Carly had the exceptional opportunity to intern under the illustrious Chef Edward Lee at his groundbreaking nonprofit restaurant, SHIA, where sustainability meets fine dining. SHIA, located in Washington, D.C., operates as a seven-course, tasting-menu Korean‑American restaurant that has made waves for being completely plastic‑free—eliminating over 30 common single‑use plastics, replacing them with glass, stainless steel, ceramic, muslin, beeswax, and other eco-friendly alternatives. During her internship, she collaborated directly with Chef Lee and the SHIA team to help create and maintain this pioneering zero-plastic program, contributing to a movement that has diverted hundreds of kilograms of plastic waste and set a new standard for sustainable gastronomy in the industry.