Read more about Chef Alex Guarnaschelli and why she supports Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation
Q. As a child, do you have memories of hosting a lemonade stand or making lemonade?
A. I grew up in Midtown Manhattan across the street from The Carnegie Deli. Setting up a lemonade stand on Seventh Avenue wasn’t realistic. But sometimes I think because I never set up one myself, it made the idea of Alex reaching so many people in such a simple, American way all that more powerful to me.
Q. If you had one tip for families hosting lemonade stands, what would it be?
A. Keep it simple. Just like with cooking, when you present an idea simply and clearly, you can’t beat it. Some lemonade, an explanation of the stand’s intentions…I don’t think most people could resist it. I will admit, I love a good ginger cookie with lemonade though….
Q. Why do you feel connected to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation? What inspired you to get involved?
A. I was inspired by her parents and their journey with Alex. I have a daughter who has taught me a lot along the way. She is only five. But she is a powerful little human. It stuns me how effective children can be in their messaging. I also believe every child should enjoy that basic right to become an adult. Getting rid of childhood cancers is one effective way to reach that goal.
Meet Alex Guarnaschelli at The Great Chefs Event NYC, a premier culinary event to fight childhood cancer.
About Alex Guarnaschelli
As the daughter of an esteemed cookbook editor, Chef Alexandra Guarnaschelli spent her childhood surrounded by food. After graduating from Barnard College in 1991, Guarnaschelli worked under acclaimed American chef, Larry Forgione. Encouraged by Forgione, Guarnaschelli moved to France to study at La Varenne Culinary School in Burgundy. After school she worked for four years at the Michelin three-star restaurant Guy Savoy and moved up to sous chef at La Butte Chaillot, another Savoy establishment. After seven successful years in France, Guarnaschelli returned stateside, joining the venerable Daniel Boulud at restaurant Daniel in Manhattan as sous chef. Guarnaschelli moved to Los Angeles for two years and worked at the acclaimed Patina restaurant in West Hollywood. Currently, Guarnaschelli is the executive chef at Butter Restaurant and The Darby in New York.
Guarnaschelli’s many national television appearances include: “Food Network Challenge”, “TODAY Show”, “The Early Show” and the “Rachael Ray” show. Guarnaschelli has completed the third season of “Alex’s Day Off” on Food Network, a show produced by Bobby Flay. She also is a regular judge on Food Network’s primetime show “Chopped” and a regular contributor to "The Best Thing I Ever Ate.” She has appeared on “Iron Chef America” as both a competitor and judge and “Dear Food Network” and “Next Food Network Star.” She recently competed and won “Next Iron Chef: Redemption.”
