Chef Alicia Petrakis believes that creativity combined with integrity of ingredients and guests who are comforted by Astaria’s friendly approach to service is what it is all about.

Prior to opening Astaria in 2003, Alicia and co-owner Eleni started Astaria Catering in 1995. Astaria began primarily as an offsite catering company until 1999 when they were invited to prepare meals for the 300 member Coyote Point Yacht Club and their guests. The 100 seat dining room of the Yacht Club was Astaria’s first glimmer into the differences that exist between the restaurant and catering businesses.

During her years of planning and executing events for Astaria, Petrakis was called upon to prepare an array of different cuisines. As a self-taught chef, each event was an opportunity to learn something new. Often the menus were produced before recipes were tested. It was the challenge of creating something that would exceed the client’s expectations. There is nothing in the world more satisfying than knowing you have achieved that level of service.

Passion for food and design is in Petrakis’ blood. Both her father and mother loved to cook and entertain for groups of friends big and small. Alicia’s mother was an interior designer and imparted into Alicia the importance of integrity of materials and presentation. Her father, a first generation Armenian did everything the old fashioned way…by hand and from scratch. Many of the techniques Alicia uses today came from the kitchen in her parent’s home.

At Astaria, Alicia Petrakis is able to fulfill her dream of giving guests a unique and satisfying experience. She and her team successfully create five menus per year to reflect the five unique local seasons: Indian summer, harvest, winter, spring and early summer. She has also chosen to use
family owned purveyors to acquire most of the ingredients used in preparing the menu. Fostering and maintaining good relationships at all levels in the business is an integral part of achieving and maintaining success. Passion is an essential part of life. To do what you love is a blessing.

As a wife and mother of two young boys, Petrakis is busy but she wouldn’t have it any other way…