Chef Nina Curtis is an award-winning chef, culinary leader, and advocate for ingredient-driven plant-based cuisine. With more than two decades of experience spanning hospitality, wellness, healthcare, and culinary education, she is recognized for creating vibrant, flavor-forward dishes that celebrate regional agriculture, cultural traditions, and the power of food to connect people.

Named one of the Top 25 Women in Foodservice and Hospitality in 2024, Chef Curtis has built a distinguished career advancing plant-based cuisine in both professional kitchens and public-facing culinary experiences. In 2023, she curated a historic plant-based menu for a White House State Dinner hosted by First Lady Dr. Jill Biden in honor of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, showcasing the potential of plant-based cuisine on one of the world’s most visible culinary stages.

Chef Curtis serves as Director and Executive Chef of Plant’ish & Co. Culinary Arts, where she develops culinary experiences, consulting programs, and educational initiatives that bridge hospitality, wellness, and agriculture. Her work frequently highlights seasonal ingredients, regional agriculture, and the stories behind the foods we grow, share, and celebrate, creating memorable dining experiences that connect guests to place, culture, and community.

A longtime collaborator with Visit Sacramento, Chef Curtis was one of five lead chefs for the acclaimed Tower Bridge Dinner and has participated in the event’s VIP culinary programming since 2021. She is also a member of the American Culinary Corps, a joint initiative of the James Beard Foundation and the U.S. Department of State, promoting culinary diplomacy and cultural exchange through food.

Whether leading a culinary event, collaborating with farmers and producers, or sharing her expertise on stages across the country, Chef Curtis brings a distinctive perspective rooted in hospitality, sustainability, and the celebration of place through food.