My Story

Since the early 90s, the sights and smells of food have been a central part of my life: From early childhood memories of my great grandmas freshly made pasta drying on the back of her kitchen chairs to our Sunday morning family trips to Arthur Avenue in the Bronx for ricotta salata and thinly pounded veal cutlets. Looking back, I realize how lucky I was to grow up in an Italian family, where parmesan and prosciutto were staples on our kitchen table, and the gathering with loved ones to share an extravagant meal was a fundamental part of our lives.

As I grew older, my passion for cooking continued to grow. I chased my dreams to culinary school at Johnson & Wales University in Providence, RI. After graduating, I furthered my training in the culinary arts with 12 years of hard work in numerous fine dining restaurants across the East Coast. Mastering a range of cuisines from French to Japanese, I worked my way up as a leader in the kitchens I cooked in, serving as Chef de Cuisine in the fine dining industry. In 2019, I competed on the Food Network’s Chopped (season 41), where I progressed to the final round, and was awarded first runner-up. Across these experiences, it became clear to me that bringing beautiful and delicious food to people from all walks of life is what I am meant to do.

In 2022, I was searching for my next culinary venture and moved cross-country to the beautiful Pacific Northwest, making my home in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Seattle, WA. Immediately captivated by the fresh local ingredients of the region, I knew I had found my place to grow my own culinary company I could be proud of. Hence, the creation of Boards by Erica LLC, serving the Seattle area and beyond, specializing in the curation of handcrafted artisanal charcuterie boards and grazing tables that cultivate effortless gathering amongst gourmet food for any occasion. We thank you for your support and look forward to creating something unique and unforgettable for your next event.