Missy Robbins

Missy Robbins, a chef celebrated for her expertise in Italian cuisine, has marked her culinary journey with a series of remarkable milestones. After graduating from Georgetown University, she honed her skills at Peter Kump's New York School of Cooking. Her culinary prowess led her to helm two Italian restaurants in Williamsburg, Brooklyn: Lilia, launched in 2016, and Misi, introduced in 2018. Both establishments have been recognized with a Michelin star. Robbins was battling breast cancer simultaneously while running Lilia and opening Misi, a testament to Robbins' dedication to her craft.

Robbins' talent and creativity have not gone unnoticed in the competitive world of gastronomy. In 2010, Food & Wine magazine honored her as the best new chef and later awarded her the prestigious accolade of Esquire Chef of the Year. The James Beard Foundation recognized her culinary accomplishments as the Best Chef in New York City. In a notable highlight of her career, Robbins showcased her culinary skills for former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama.

Robbins is one of only ten female chefs in the United States to carry a Michelin star, underlining her standing in a predominantly male-driven industry. Inspired by coastal Italian cuisine and "obscure, weird cookbooks," her culinary style resonates deeply with food enthusiasts, as evidenced by the Three Stars awarded to Lilia by The New York Times. Despite her remarkable success, Robbins continuously pursues culinary innovation, continually pushing the boundaries and redefining the dining experience. In 2021, Robbins released the cookbook "Pasta: The Spirit and Craft of Italy's Greatest Food, with Recipies" which received a James Beard Award nomination and was an IACP Award Finalist.