Paola F.

Paola grew up in Pampanga, the food capital of the Philippines. As a little girl, she dreamed of becoming a pharmacist. After studying culinary arts, moving to Toronto, and starting work at Eataly in 2024 as a Line Cook, she found a new passion for the kitchen. Although she still enjoys Filipino food, she has learned to appreciate the art of the Italian cuisine, especially the precision and effort needed to prepare it properly.

After proving to be an efficient and extremely reliable line cook, Paola was given the opportunity to take her skills to the next level as a Lead Line Cook, with a new focus on motivating and mentoring the team. By taking an interest in all aspects of culinary operations, Paola has shown her willingness to grow and learn.

Paola contributes positively to Eataly’s culture through her strong work ethic, team spirit, and dedication to quality. She consistently steps up to support her team members and different areas of the kitchen. A true rock, she brings positivity and enthusiasm, motivating and uplifting those around her.

What is your favorite memory of your time at Eataly so far? 
“Mother’s Day was very hectic, and we worked super hard, but it was definitely my favorite. We pushed through because we had people moving and going in to help other people, and they always knew when to back up. We prepped so much that day because we knew we were going to get hit, so we were ready for it! It was fun and stressful at the same time – and in the end, it was very fulfilling.”

What advice do you have for a fellow Eatalian?
“In this industry, I have seen many people quit the kitchen because they feel too much pressure, but I don’t want to get burned out. You’re going to get used to the routine. So, my best advice would be to have fun while you’re doing it. Enjoy doing the things you love. Don’t stress yourself out over something that you’re passionate about to the point you don’t want to do it anymore.”

What have you learned since joining Eataly?
“Italian food is not something you should rush. You might think it’s very easy, but you actually have to be very meticulous. For example, if you leave dry pasta cooking for an extra minute, it could potentially destroy the whole batch. We can’t make mistakes in the process, so communication is very important.”

Who inspires you?
“My uncle. Along with my parents, he was always there for me.  He recently passed away, and his passing has triggered me to work harder because I know he wanted me to achieve whatever I wanted. Up until now, he’s been my support system pushing me closer to success. Even if he’s not here right now, I know he can see me.”

Here is Paola in action!