the Paella Lady OWNER

of Driana Foods

Paella. It’s one of those dishes that somehow seems to have a showstopping quality and, at the same time, be comforting. We would say paella creates community, but it’s really the person that is creating the paella that brings us, and the dish, together. Chef Adriana is the owner of Driana Foods. She has appeared on the national stage and we’re lucky she’s right here, catering in North County.

She’s known as The Paella Lady, but there’s so much more to the story and what she creates. We had a chance to ask Chef Adriana about her catering company and the power of food to bring people together.

MOMSTOWN: Tell us about Chef Adriana!

CHEF ADRIANA: I came to this country in my late teens, I grew up surrounded by amazing cooks in my family that showed their love through food. My family is from Spain and who crafted the famous Serrano and Iberico Hams for over 40 years. They taught me the art of cooking and eating well. “Cooking, eating and sharing these bonding moments is what we live for.” Inspired by my family’s recipes I created Driana Foods, a catering company and also a food product manufacturing company located in San Marcos where we have been operating from a commercial kitchen since 20016.

MOMSTOWN: How did you get started as a chef? And, why did you decide to specialize in paellas and Spanish cuisine?

CHEF ADRIANA: I decided to become a chef almost 14 years ago. I went to school for speech pathology and worked in that field for a few years and soon realized it was not my passion. I had no idea what my passion was, but I knew that every time I cooked I was at ease and I had a sense of peace. I decided to go to culinary school in Boulder, Colorado where I was living at the time. After I graduated, I proposed to my school a Paella Pilot class, very shortly we had a waiting list, and the rest was history.

MOMSTOWN: What is it about cooking that brings you the greatest joy?

CHEF ADRIANA: When you cook from the heart, you give people a piece of your soul, and that imprint stays with them, sometimes for a lifetime. The possibility of becoming part of someone’s fondest food memory is a beautiful and humbling privilege

MOMSTOWN: What is the most difficult part of working in the food industry?

CHEF ADRIANA: The food industry is intense and it demands a lot of you. The physical and emotional labor can push you to the point that it breaks you. You will not survive it if you are not all in and willing to do it with total surrender.

MOMSTOWN: What advice do you have to help others follow their passions and dreams?

CHEF ADRIANA: Be sincere and congruent with yourself, make sure your mind, heart and soul is in the same place before you pursue your dreams. Trust the universe and the rest will take care of itself. And, love is the most delicious ingredient.

MOMSTOWN: Finally, share with us your favorite things to cook?

CHEF ADRIANA: I love cooking Paella, every time I make it, it feels exhilarating. I also love making stews of any kind. I love the alchemy that happens when ingredients cook low and slow and are transformed into a delicious, aromatic delicacy. It is fascinating to me.

MOMSTOWN: What else would you like to share and how readers can find you?

CHEF ADRIANA: I am known as the Paella Queen or Paella Lady, I have been on the Food Network show Cooks vs Cons and have cooked in many news shows like Fox 5, Kusi News and Despierta America.

To book an event with me visit DrianaFoods.com Instagram @Chefa Adriana or Instagram @DrianaFoods or call (720) 979-9457

local mom turns DOUGH into CASH

Julie Iversen

If you’ve ever dreamed of starting a homebased food business, you’re in luck! Cottage Food businesses are taking off and it’s becoming easier than ever to start food businesses from your home kitchen.

This month, we caught up with a local cottage food operator. Her name is Julie Iversen and she’s the owner of Dipped Confections. Julie is turning her creativity, talent and passion for baking into a profitable side hustle.

MOMSTOWN: Tell us about Julie Iversen and how you started your cookie company!

JULIE: I grew up baking with my Grandma who was my favorite person ever! She taught me some of her favorite “tips & tricks” that I still continue to use in my baking daily. I am originally from Central California and have lived in beautiful North County San Diego for 11 years. I am married to my wonderful husband Bradley, I’m a Mom to two beautiful daughters Jessica & Mariah and a Grandma (Gaga) to two precious grandchildren, Bentley & Kensingtin.

MOMSTOWN: How did you get started in the baking business? How do you find the inspiration for such creativity?! Seriously, your cookies are gorgeous!

JULIE: Thank you so much! My husband and I enjoy entertaining and I have always loved to bake fun themed treats for our parties. We host a Christmas party every year and I decorate a Christmas tree with a different theme and bake coordinating sweet treats for every room. We open our home to family and friends to enjoy the decor & treats, and it has become one of our favorite annual traditions.