Pilar Valdes

 

Pilar Valdes is a self-taught chef, author, entrepreneur, and The Drew Barrymore Show’s resident culinary queen. Pilar became Barrymore's personal chef in 2018; she has since stepped out of her comfort zone and into the spotlight, starring in regular cooking segments on the actress’s daytime talk show. The Hall of Femme honoree also co-authored Barrymore’s 2021 cookbook, The Rebel Homemaker, which is filled with dishes that incorporate flavors from her native Phillipines. 

Pilar grew up in Manila before making her way to NYC and graduating from Sarah Lawrence College. In 2010, after nearly a decade working at nonprofits, she teamed up with friend and coworker Binh Ly to form Kickshaw Cookery, which offers full-service catering and packed lunches by subscription, all made from scratch and with seasonal ingredients. “Working with food has really affirmed my belief that we are all teacher-learners,” Pilar says. “Hopefully, my journey and my food can teach as well as nourish, or at the very least, give someone that extra push to try something new.”

Find Pilar on Instagram.