Paula Endara Biography
Paula Endara is a distinguished chef and mixologist hailing from Quito, Ecuador, and a contestant on Season 22 of Bravo’s Top Chef. With over 13 years of experience in the culinary industry, Paula has built a reputation for her innovative approach to cuisine and her commitment to sustainability. Currently, Paula serves as the Executive Chef at Granddam and Lost Palm in Lexington, Kentucky.
Early Life and Education
Paula began her culinary journey at the age of 18 in her hometown of Quito. Her passion for avant-garde cuisine led her to the Basque Culinary Center, where she honed her skills and deepened her understanding of modern cooking techniques.
Paula Endara Husband and Children
Endara is married to her husband, and together, they have two sons. Details about chef Paula’s husband are not publicly available.
Professional Career
Throughout her career, Paula has embraced diverse culinary experiences. In Quito, she collaborated with Amazonian farmers in a nomadic restaurant concept, emphasizing the use of indigenous ingredients and fostering a connection between local producers and consumers. Her entrepreneurial spirit shone through when she established Roots, a restaurant in Arkansas that seamlessly blended Ecuadorian flavors with fresh, local produce.
Currently, Paula serves as the Executive Chef at Granddam and Lost Palm in Lexington, Kentucky. Granddam offers Bluegrass-inspired cuisine, while Lost Palm, located atop The Manchester boutique hotel, features tropical-infused Latin bites and cocktails. In these roles, Paula continues to showcase her cultural heritage through inventive dishes that highlight regional ingredients.
Top Chef Season 22
In 2025, Paula joined the cast of Top Chef Season 22, bringing her unique culinary perspective to the esteemed competition. Set across various Canadian locations, including Toronto, Calgary, Montreal, and Prince Edward Island, this season challenges chefs to explore and incorporate Canada’s rich culinary landscape into their creations.
Culinary Philosophy and Achievements
A James Beard Foundation Bootcamp alumna, Paula is deeply committed to sustainability and strengthening community-driven food infrastructures. She believes in the power of regional ingredients to tell a story and strives to create dishes that are both innovative and reflective of her Ecuadorian roots.
Top Chef
Paula Endara is a contestant on Top Chef season 22, which will be premiering on February 13, 2025, at 9 pm on Peacock. She is originally from Quito, Ecuador, and currently, Paula serves as the Executive Chef at Granddam and Lost Palm in Lexington, Kentucky.
Top Chef Season 22 Cast
Apart from Paula, the other cast members of the 22nd season of Top Chef are:
- Tristen Epps
- Corwin Hemming
- Katianna Hong
- Lana Lagomarsini
- Henry Lu
- Vincenzo Loseto
- Zubair Mohjir
- Bailey Sullivan
- Kat Turner
- Shuai Wang
- Mimi Weissenborn
- Massimo Piedimonte
- César Murillo
Paula Endara Net worth
Paula has an estimated net worth of $400,000-$600,000. She is an executive chef at Granddam and Lost Palm in Lexington, Kentucky. Endara is a reality TV personality, and she appears on Top Chef season 22.
Chef Paula Endara maintains an active presence on social media, sharing insights into her culinary creations and experiences. You can follow her journey on Instagram at @chefpaulaendara.