Exotic Beginnings
Chef Panita's training started at a young age where she learned the nuances of preparing traditional Thai dishes at her family’s restaurant in Chanthaburi, Thailand. She progressed from shopping daily for produce at the local market at the age of 7 to Sous Chef at 20. As a young adult, she earned a bachelor’s degree in Education and Mathematics from the prestigious Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok.
The Culinary Institute of America, CIA
Panita’s desire to learn the classic styles of western cuisine led her to the Americas and the Culinary Institute of America, CIA, in Napa where she obtained her Culinary Arts degree. She was trained in the classic techniques and excelled in the continental cuisines of Italy, Spain and France receiving the Chanine Des Rotisseurs Award for her passionate appreciation of French food and wine. She ultimately received the Thomas Keller Award presented to the most promising young Future Chefs of the World.
The Four Seasons, The Ritz Carlton & Brennan's
Chef Panita’s culinary education continued at the Four Seasons Biltmore in Santa Barbara and the Ritz Carlton in New Orleans. She further refined her French and Creole cooking techniques at Brennan’s in New Orleans, named “one of the best restaurants in the world” by Conde Nast Traveler. She now brings her passion and expertise to White Truffle where every dish and event reflects the breadth and depth of her unique experiences.