Zest & Gather is a culinary studio rooted in intentional hospitality — bringing people together through seasonal food, creative experiences and connection.

Orel is a culinary creative and personal chef who designs food experiences that balances intention, ease and joy. With a background in public communication, wellness education and design, Orel believes good food should feel intuitive, empowering and woven seamlessly into your life.

 

Orel’s wellness journey began in 2003 during her senior year at University of South Florida, when she took an Intro to yoga course. It propelled her towards a deeper mind-body connection that had a lasting impact. Fast forward to 2016 she completed her 200-hr yoga teacher training in Boulder, CO and was later certified in other healing modalities such as Reiki, sound healing, restorative yoga and yoga nidra.

 

In 2021, she designed and led a wellness curriculum for a local high school that was designed to promote physical, mental and social-emotional well being.

She has since continued to evolve her work through fusion-style workshops that thoughtfully weave together food and wellness, collaborating with local businesses to create meaningful, community-centered experiences.

 

 In 2024 her passion and love for all things food led her to enroll at the Escoffier School of Culinary Arts to complete the Holistic Wellness and Nutrition program. She graduated with high honors and completed her externship at Sur La Table leading over 50 cooking and baking classes.

 

She is now the founder of Zest & Gather, a culinary studio rooted in intentional hospitality. At the heart of Orel's work is connection: to food, to people and to the moments that happen around the table. Whether cooking in private homes or guiding a room full of learners, the goal is always the same-make cooking feel accessible, approachable and deeply satisfying.