Amanda Cusey
Chef • Louisiana Seafood Champion • Classical French–Trained Culinarian
Amanda Cusey, is Executive Chef at Lake Charles’ The Terrace at Lake Area Adventures. Traveling extensively throughout the US and Europe, Chef Amanda received her Cordon Bleu training at the Tante’ Marie Culinary Academy in Surrey, England. Working in England and Ireland, she cemented her love of Italian cuisine while working under the guidance of Kristan Burness and Brendan Ward at Fiorentina in Dublin, ultimately earning the position of Head Chef. Prior to coming to Lake Charles, Chef Amanda worked with Michelin Star chef Oliver Dunne as Head Chef at his Italian inspired pop-up restaurant, Eatily in Dublin’s city center. Chef Amanda spent 6 years bringing her twist on Italian cuisine to downtown Lake Charles as the Executive Chef of the Villa Harlequin Restaurant. She is the Queen of Louisiana Seafood, besting 11 other chefs to win the 15th Annual Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off!
