Chef Ariane Duarte
Chef Ariane Duarte's love for cooking began as she was growing up, watching her grandmother cook the family dinners. She realized she needed to get an education to hone her skills and she applied and was accepted to the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. After two years of studies, she was hired as a sous chef at the Highlawn Pavilion in West Orange. Two years later and a brief stint with a major NYC catering firm, she accepted a line cook position at The Terrace. After three years at the Terrace, she found a position as the lead grill cook at Dallas' prestigious Star Canyon. It was here where she also met her husband, Michael, with whom she moved to Chicago to cook in his family's restaurant. While in Chicago she broadened her culinary knowledge by taking a position at Trio. Ariane was also fortunate enough to come upon a job as an assistant for one of Charlie Trotter's cookbooks.
It was time for her to come back home, and she immediately found a position in the film industry cooking for the stars. After a year of twilight cooking, she accepted the position as opening chef de cuisine for Vine. Within eight months she was given the title of Executive Chef. Ariane commanded this kitchen of one of New York City's most desirable restaurants for five years. During the same time, Ariane was also running her own catering company, CulinAriane, in New Jersey with her husband.
When Vine closed its doors, Ariane and Michael opened their own restaurant. Two months after opening in February 2006, CulinAriane received a four star rating from the Star Ledger and one month later received a "very good" rating from the New York Times. Presented with the opportunity to be on Top Chef Season 5, Ariane jumped at the chance. With appearances on the Today Show, Iron Chef and the Tyra Banks show she has not stopped. Now after three years, CulinAriane, with Ariane at its stoves, continues to excel as one of New Jersey's best restaurants.
