Lisa Dahl is the Executive Chef/Restaurateur of Dahl Restaurant Group which includes Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill, Dahl & Di Luca Ristorante Italiano, Cucina Rustica and Pisa Lisa in Sedona, Arizona. Originally from Indianapolis, Indiana, Lisa’s passion for cooking is inspiring and makes her pretty fabulous. Learn more about Chef Lisa Dahl…
First job: Working for my parents in their women’s clothing retail business. This truly taught me the art of making guests satisfied and wanting to come back for more.
Favorite AZ restaurant: I enjoy comfort food but dine a lot at the Hillstone Restaurant in Phoenix because they believe 110% in providing superior service and guest satisfaction. Their standards inspire me.
Person who has impacted your life the most: My grandmother was a role model to me and represented someone who always aimed to please. She knew all of my favorite foods and spoiled me with them. She always let me riffle through her jewelry collection and let me play dress up.
Your biggest accomplishment in your eyes: Other than having my son, Justin, writing my cookbook “The Elixir of Life” and winning an IPPY Award for it as the 2011 Cookbook of the Year.
The biggest obstacle you have overcome: The shocking loss of my only son, Justin.
Someone who inspires you: My 91-year-old mother because she knows who she is, and is still elegant, beautiful and wise.
Favorite quote: “When you cook with love, you feed the soul” – My Mantra
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: One has to have thick skin and be prepared to deal with the daily challenges and obstacles that you never thought would pop up. In the restaurant business, these obstacles mostly regard people’s personality quirks, but you still have to deal with them with a sense of humor.
What makes someone fabulous: Someone whose inner beauty is even more glowing than their outside appearance and who radiates genuine kindness and compassion for others.
To learn more about Lisa Dahl and her restaurants, visit dahlrestaurantgroup.com.
