Hanalei Sian Souza

I’m from California, and I began my culinary journey in 2018 when I needed a summer job after working winters in the ski mountain operations area. I was hired with no experience at a small mom-and-pop place and loved the rush of the line from my first day. Something in me knew that even though I got my butt kicked that day, this was something I wanted to pursue and be good at one day. The following summer, I decided to work at the busiest restaurant in my town to determine if I was cut out to cook for a living. I started working, and five years later, I am now the sous chef there.

In 2020, we all know what happened to restaurant workers. I had just started my career as a chef and was saddened by the situation, but I needed an outlet to express my passion for cooking. Given my love for humor and memes, I created “Lady Line Cook,” a platform to share cooking-related memes without revealing my identity. I never aimed to gain a large following or make money; I wanted to connect with other chefs and express myself creatively. Today, @Ladylinecook has become a worldwide community, bringing together individuals at all levels of the culinary profession and those simply interested in gaining insight into our world. I have always strived to maintain authenticity and honesty, providing a real insight into the challenges and joys of working in a kitchen.

After being promoted to sous chef, I’ve been sharing a lot about my experiences and what I’ve been learning about leadership. In 2021, I published my memoir, “Nice Work, Boys!” which covers my journey as a new leader in the kitchen. I’ve been working in this industry for six years, and one thing I hope changes is the pay and tip-out structure in the USA. In California, the minimum wage is very high. People often leave their jobs in restaurants for jobs that pay the same but are ten times easier. Servers make a high minimum wage, too, and get tips, but cooks don’t. Even high school bussers walk out at twice the hourly rate, despite many skilled cooks having to work 2-3 jobs to get by.

What is your favorite street food?

Shawarma

Which restaurant or food stand do you recommend? (Different from yours) (Add its Instagram handle if possible)

The borough market in London!

What is your guilty pleasure?

No food is guilty 🙂 but I love coffee ice cream after work

What ingredient do you find overrated?

Filet mignon

What ingredient do you think is underrated?

Mushrooms

What is your favorite kitchen tool?

Mandolin

What is your worst kitchen nightmare?

If you’re talking about an actual sleep dream I once had a dream I gave birth (never been pregnant) on a Saturday and when I called out for Sunday brunch they said that wasn’t a valid reason to miss a Sunday brunch. Idk if that’s the nightmare you were asking, lol.

Photos by @chaebinyoonphotography