-- This title will ship on or after July 08, 2025 --

Elevate your home cooking with more than 100 recipes that feature the vibrant fusion of Creole flavors and California freshness from renowned personal chef, Ryan Rondeno.

Chef Ryan Rondeno, who has dazzled the palates of celebrities with his innovative and mouthwatering creations, seamlessly blends the vibrant flavors of Creole cuisine with the fresh ethos of California cooking in My Creole-Cali Kitchen. Each recipe is meticulously crafted to be both intriguing, flavorful,, and accessible, allowing home cooks to recreate elevated dishes that burst with flavor and creativity. With dishes like tempura squash blossoms, crawfish enchiladas, and duck confit with whipped ricotta and pickled peaches, Rondeno brings his signature style to every page, ensuring that each dish is not only delicious but also visually stunning. And for those with a sweet tooth, there are celebration-worthy desserts like brown butter banana bread with pistachio praline and buttermilk ice cream, and—of course—beignets.

Rondeno, who has cooked for A-list stars, shares his culinary secrets and expert tips, making even the most sophisticated recipes easy to follow. The cookbook features step-by-step instructions, beautiful photographs, and clever twists on Southern favorites. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a beginner looking to impress your guests, My Creole-Cali Kitchen offers a treasure trove of recipes that are sure to level-up your cooking game while remaining approachable and fun. Indulge in the best of both worlds with this delightful fusion that promises to bring excitement and flair to your kitchen.

BIO

Chef Ryan Rondeno, known for his passion for Southern cuisine, has cooked for many of Hollywood's elite, including Will Smith, Lizzo, and Mike Tyson. Rooted in Metairie, Louisiana, where Ryan was born, his love for cooking was nurtured by his family. He honed his skills at the Chef John Folse Culinary Institute and renowned Southern restaurants, including the legendary Commander's Palace in New Orleans. After relocating to California post-Hurricane Katrina, Ryan fused California cuisine with his Southern roots, creating a unique culinary experience.

REVIEWS

“Ryan Rondeno is an exceptional chef and his food is delicious. Watching him cook during the event I hosted was very inspiring. His service is extraordinary and everyone at my event was extremely impressed with the flavors and the high quality of the food. I highly recommend this chef who works magic when he cooks.” -- Martín Rodríguez, award-winning actor & star of Netflix’s Griselda

“Chef Ryan shows up with a few coolers, disappears into the kitchen, and shortly thereafter produces a feast. Course after course, each finer than the last. I thought he had a team at work but it was just Ryan, making magic.” -- Caroline Frost, award-winning author of The Last Verse

“The Chef Ryan experience is not just fine dining at its best—it’s a dive into the tastes and traditions of our past, with a modern-day twist. I am proud to be from a Southern Black family, owners of the legendary Harlem soul food eatery, Sylvia’s Restaurant, and I have longed for the authentic dishes of my childhood here in Southern California. I need look no further. Chef Ryan’s artistry exceeded my expectations. Every bite was a blast from my past as well as an introduction to new, succulent flavors. Bravo and thank you, Chef! I’m now a huge fan.” -- Denise Woods, author, producer, and renowned Hollywood dialect coach

“Meridia Books was fortunate to have Chef Ryan for our launch event. The food, professionalism, and attention to detail were exceptional—he and his team helped elevate the experience of the evening.” -- Nathan Edmondson, partner, Meridia Books

[H]  Agate Surrey  /  July 08, 2025

1.0" H x 9.0" L x 7.2" W (2.3 lbs) 312 pages