Maria C. Lao

Maria C. Lao is an experienced culinary professional with a diverse background in restaurant and pastry environments. Currently serving as a Line Cook at TAO Group since June 2019 and at Red Rooster Harlem since July 2017, Maria also operates Lé Sweet Lé Savory as a freelance cake baker and decorator since January 2011, specializing in a variety of desserts. Previous roles include Line Cook positions at Speedy Romeo and David Burke Townhouse, and a Lead Line Cook role at Gordon Ramsay Group. Maria has held various positions in pastry and customer service, including Pastry Cook at Augustine Restaurant NYC and Barista/Store Manager at Amaretto Espresso Bar. Educational achievements include an MBA from Metropolitan College of New York, a BBA in Hospitality Administration from Monroe University, and an AAS in Culinary Arts from Monroe College-New Rochelle.