Maureen Petrosky ’99, Freelance Writer for Bon Appétit
Since graduating at the top of her class at the CIA, Maureen Christian-Petrosky ’99 has worked as a professional chef, instructor, and food stylist, and has been a frequent television guest. She has appeared on CNN, CNN Headline News, the Food Network, NBC’s Today show, and FOX News Network to discuss hot topics in the culinary industry. She has also appeared as a judge for Food Network’s Iron Chef America. Today she is a freelance writer and contributing editor for Bon Appétit magazine, founding editor for foodrepublic.com, and writes a column on cocktails for thekitchn.com. “There are so many options outside of restaurants for culinary professionals,” said Maureen. “If creativity is what first tempted you into the kitchen, then I encourage you all to explore the many artistic outlets in the culinary arts.”
Maureen began her television career behind the scenes in the roles of executive producer, culinary producer, and food stylist on Food Network shows including Good Eats, Cooking Think, Cooking Live, Emeril Live, East Meets West, Taste, Chef du Jour, Hot Off the Grill, Boy Meets Grill, Cooking with Wolfgang Puck, and Semi-Homemade with Sandra Lee. She has worked as a food stylist in both film and print for clients including McDonald’s, RJ Reynolds, Quaker Oats, Hellman’s, Aramark, Random House, and Olive Garden.
Maureen published her first book, The Wine Club: A Month-by-Month Guide to Learning About Wine with Friends in 2005, which includes her best recipes as well as wine and entertainment tips. That same year she filmed an eight-part public television series called So Easy to Preserve that aired in nine markets.
Her work has earned Maureen recognition from Disney, Food & Wine magazine, and The California Vintners Association. In 2001, she was named the first “Female Chef Extraordinaire” by the international organization Les Marmitons. Maureen is a member of the New York chapter of the prestigious Les Dames d’ Escoffier International.
In addition to her culinary arts degree from the CIA, Maureen holds a bachelor’s degree in general arts from Villanova University and certification from the Master Court of Sommeliers. She travels extensively throughout Southeast Asia, Europe, Africa, and the United States, constantly exploring new flavors, cultures, and cuisines.