Garden City Chef Whips Up Dinner With Rachael Ray

A viewing of the Rachael Ray show turned into a cameo appearance for Garden City chef Sophia Benito-Brivio. 

The show, which airs today at 10 a.m. on channel 7, features a series of auctions showcased to raise funds and awareness for Ray’s Yum-o! charity. To lend a hand, Jason Brooks from Discovery Channel's Auction Kings performed the bidding.

Yum-o! is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower kids and their families to develop healthy relationships with food and cooking; feed hungry kids; and fund cooking education and scholarships.

For Brivio, an opportunity to cook with Ray was something she couldn’t pass up. Another audience member felt the same way, so both members were chosen to cook with Ray during her “What’s for Dinner” segment. A host of other celebrity experts including Buddy Valastro of TLC's Cake Boss also auctioned off their expertise to raise funds.

Brivio helped prepare Greek chicken breast with lemon and feta and olive mashed potatoes. Having served as a guest chef on public access television, Brivio felt at home.

“It was a great experience,” said Brivio. “Her platform works quite well with my own efforts for healthy cooking.”

Brivio, who has family-owned restaurants in Manhattan and Miami, is quite comfortable in the kitchen. A recent graduate of the Institute for Culinary Education, she was inspired to start her culinary business, The Well Seasoned Chef by her family and love of food.

Cooking is still a family affair. As the mother of three school age daughters, everyone lends a hand. 

Brivio’s business focuses on catering, prepared mails and cooking classes for groups. 

As the name of her business hints at, flavor is something she doesn’t shy away from. Trained as a classical French chef, she sets no limitations on her cooking. 

“I use layers and layers of flavors, I’m not just a salt and pepper girl,” said Brivio. “I believe in using what’s in season. There is no right and wrong, no borders or boundaries.”

Brivio, who is of Cuban descent, does enjoy Cuban cooking as well as Italian, which is a shout-out to her Italian husband.

Her Thanksgiving catering menu features many traditional items and surprises such as cumin pumpkin soup and chorizo cornbread stuffing. Her holiday entertaining menu offers appetizers such as wild mushroom and black truffle flat bread and bruschetta Cubana.

Of her experience cooking alongside Ray, Brivio felt a kinship. As a mom, Girl Scout leader and professional chef she works hard to promote healthy choices.

For further information contact Brivio at 917-304-9006, by email at sophiabrivio@thewellseasonedchef.com or visit her website at www.thewellseasonedchef.com.