Our Instructors
The diverse lineup of our Cucina instructors bring fresh perspectives, flavors, and creativity to each class, ensuring an exciting and enriching experience for all attendees. No matter what class you choose, you can be sure you’ll be learning from a highly experienced culinary professional. Browse through the profiles below to learn more about our talented team.
Chef Meg Feller
OWNER OF LEMON LEAF CATERING
A Canton, Ohio, native, Meg has worn a number of different hats in the food service business for 20 years. She currently owns Lemon Leaf Catering, specializing in elegant events, custom cooking classes, and private dinner parties. Earlier in her career, she relocated to Breckenridge, Colorado and then returned to Ohio to work at Glenmoor Country Club and Mustard Seed Market in Montrose. It was during this time that she realized her passion for cooking. She studied in the University of Akron’s Culinary Arts Program and is a self-taught pro at the grill.
Chef Tori Marion
EXECUTIVE CHEF AT THE TWISTED OLIVE
I joined the Gervasi team in the summer of 2017. I started out as a line cook at The Twisted Olive and have worked my way up over the years. I now have the opportunity to lead The Twisted Olive kitchen and staff. My journey with this company has been amazing and an experience that I will never forget. I have learned from some of the greatest chefs here and enjoy my job every day. The great thing about this job is I continue to learn something new every day and get to work with some of the most amazing people around.
Chef Gavin Pinto
CHEF OF CONSUMER INNOVATION FOR CERTIFIED ANGUS BEEF ®
Brand Chef, Consumer Innovation, Chef Gavin Pinto will be your instructor as he guides you through nuances of beef selection, preparation, and cooking techniques revealing the secrets to achieving perfection on the plate. Chef Gavin, Ohio native is known for his recipe creation for consumers while playing an active role in food photography styling, YouTube cooking videos and media appearances for Certified Angus Beef. He is set to bring the sizzle to this demonstration class!
Chef Bob Sferra
OWNER OF SOPHIE LA GOURMANDE CAFÉ + PATISSERIE AND SOPHIE EVENTS
Bob grew up in a large Italian family, where food was central to gatherings, fueling my passion for cooking. After earning a marketing degree from John Carroll University in 1986, he transitioned to the culinary world, apprenticing with renowned chef Parker Bosley for 7 years. Bob honed his skills at L’Ecole Lenotre in France and earned a Grand Diploma in Pastry Arts from The French Culinary Institute in NYC in 1997.
In 2012, he expanded his catering business, Bob Sferra Culinary Occasions, into a retail space in South Euclid, OH, adding a pastry shop specializing in French-inspired desserts. After 10 years, he moved the business to Cleveland Heights, restoring a 1935 building to open Sophie La Gourmande Café + Patisserie and rebranding his catering business as Sophie Events, honoring my beloved labrador, Sophie.
His company has been the primary caterer for the Cleveland International Film Festival, served as Executive Chef for Trevarrow, Inc., and provided exclusive catering for The Daily Show during the 2016 RNC. Throughout Bob’s career, he’s championed equality in the workplace, supporting LGBTQ+ and minority communities.
