About Dulcienea's Kitchen
Dulcinea’s Kitchen began as a heartfelt endeavor to continue my Uncle Alfonso's legacy, who founded the original Dulcinea in Ecuador over 40 years ago.
From a young age, I was very close to him and my Aunt Mariana, who would always take me everywhere. The highlight of my day was accompanying them to close the bakery at night and choosing a delicious pastry for the ride home.
We would explore every new restaurant or bakery together and then recreate our favorite dishes at home. Later, I started working with them at the bakery, developing new recipes and cake decorating techniques. He was the first “Foodie” I met, and she has always been a wizard in the kitchen. Visiting them for family gatherings guaranteed amazing, delicious food and great family time. My siblings and I still reminisce about those beautiful memories when the whole family would gather at the table to enjoy food and family unity.
I left my home country over 20 years ago to come to California and continued to sell custom-made cakes and desserts from home. Later, I worked as a cake decorating instructor at the craft store Michaels, where I shared my passion for baking and cooking for over three years. This role gave me the chance to meet many incredible people who I can still call friends today. I also worked as a cooking instructor, corporate chef at a food consulting company, and eventually landed my dream job as a private chef for a Hollywood executive. It was all so amazing and rewarding to have a job doing what I love most:
cooking and baking to nurture bellies and souls.
Unfortunately, we lost my uncle six years ago to cancer. This loss motivated me to bring Dulcinea to California and continue the family tradition of offering our clients and friends not only premium custom-made cakes and desserts but also personalized gourmet experiences.
With a focus on global flavors, seasonal and sustainable food, innovative techniques and creative presentations,
we strive to deliver hi-end dining experiences to please even the most discerning taste buds.
Meet The Chef
Liset Alfieri's culinary journey is a testament to her passion and dedication to the art of cooking. Her inspiration stemmed from her uncle's bakery in Ecuador, where she first developed a love for cooking and baking. Upon moving to California, Liset began selling homemade cakes, which marked the beginning of her career in the food industry.
Her journey took a significant turn during a transformative trip with her Uncle Alfonso and Aunt Mariana to his hometown in Lima-Peru to visit his family and to celebrate his 50th birthday. There, she immersed herself in the local culinary traditions and discovered new flavors and techniques. This trip further fueled her passion for cooking and inspired her creativity.
Her talent and enthusiasm for cooking soon led her to work alongside celebrity chefs including chef and cookbook author Katie Chin for many years. During this time, she had the opportunity to refine her skills and learn from the best in the business. She gained invaluable experience and insights into the culinary world, learning various techniques and recipes that would later become part of her diverse culinary repertoire, which showcased her versatility as a chef.
Liset's story is one of continuous growth and exploration, driven by her love for food and her desire to share her culinary creations with others. Her journey from a small bakery in Ecuador to becoming a sought-after private chef in California is a remarkable example of how dedication and passion can lead to success in the culinary world.