From La Cucina to La Cocina: Naomi Maisel’s Love of Food Has No Borders
FROM LA CUCINA TO LA COCINA:
NAOMI MAISEL’S LOVE FOR FOOD HAS NO BORDERS
Naomi Maisel’s journey into the world of food is as rich and layered as the dishes she champions at La Cocina, the San Francisco-based incubator empowering rich immigrant women and people of color in the culinary industry. Her path was shaped by academic curiosity, a passion for food justice, and a deep appreciation for the way food connects people and cultures. From studying anthropology at Emory University to immersing herself in the holistic, hands-on education at the University of Gastronomic Sciences (UNISG) in Italy, Naomi has cultivated a unique perspective — one that blends scholarship with lived experience, activism with artistry.
We recently sat down with Naomi to learn more about her experience.
We discussed the transformative nature of her time at UNISG, where Slow Food, immersive learning, and a global community reshaped her understanding of gastronomy. She shared how this experience ultimately led her to La Cocina, where she now works at the intersection of food access, equity, and entrepreneurship. Her insights offer a powerful look at what it means to be a gastronome today and why food is never just about what’s on the plate — it’s about the people, the land, and the stories behind it.
“To really love food means to love everything that goes into the food and everyone that touches the food, which is hard. It's really easy to call yourself a foodie because you like to know about specific foods or you like a fancy meal, but I think to truly love food means to love the people that it comes from, and everyone that it touches, and the world that we live in that produces it. I am so grateful that UNISG taught me that.”
Curious about learning abroad? Have a taste with UNISG+
Dive into the world of food innovation and sustainability with UNISG+, the online platform from the University of Gastronomic Sciences.
Use the code EDIBLEUNISG25 to unlock an exclusive 100% discount and explore courses designed to inspire and empower.
Ready to stir your future into action?
We're here to help. Contact our admissions team for more information or to schedule a one-on-one consultation.
Join the UNSIG Community
Follow @unisg_official for the latest updates, student stories, and a taste of life at UNISG!
SPONSORED: The invaluable support of UNISG helps to grow and sustain Edible San Francisco.