Chef Julia Doyne, a native of Cleveland, Ohio, grew up with a stay-at-home mother and an internationally well-traveled father. Family gatherings focused around food and her father's true passion for unique experiences and cuisine from all over the world.
Julia fell in love with cooking and was enamored by the creation of food and all that it entailed at an early age. As a small child, she was anxious to try everything and set her sights towards the food industry. She took her first job at the age of 13 as a dishwasher. She was immediately attracted to the fast paced, high-stress, time-sensitive environment that demanded perfection and quick thinking.
After graduating from the University of Pittsburgh for Information Sciences in 2005, Julia continued to work in all aspects of many types of restaurants. This eventually led her decision to pack her bags and move to New York City to work with the best of the best. Julia's first job in NYC was with highly acclaimed Celebrity Chef Marcus Samuelsson at the legendary Restaurant Aquavit, where she was able to develop extensive style techniques in Scandinavian cuisine, and perfected the Swedish and Nordic techniques of pickling, curing, and smoking.
Spending her days off working as a volunteer at other great NYC restaurant establishments to quench her thirst for knowledge, Julia met Executive Chef Christopher Lee. Chef Lee hired her as a Line Cook for the esteemed Michelin star restaurant Aureole, New York where she quickly earned the title of Sous Chef. Partnered with Chef Lee, they opened a series of small, boutiques restaurants in the Northeastern corridor. All of which earned rave reviews. When Chef Lee was offered the position as Executive Chef at The Forge Restaurant in Miami Beach, Chef Julia jumped on board at the opportunity to be appointed to the position of Chef de Cuisine. The prospect of filling the shoes of a great chef; mentor and teacher was challenging and exciting.
Chef Julia joined The Forge, Miami Beach from 2015 - 2018 as the first woman named Executive Chef in the history of one of the most renowned and legendary 4-star restaurants in Miami Beach. Julia easily mastered the local, gourmet and upscale farm-to table cuisine that has been a favorite spot for dinner and special occasions.
Most recent adventures include starting up a recreational cooking school called iCanCook with partner, Mary Veinovic. A personalized chef approach with a hands-on cooking experience. We teach home cooks to make the best of their kitchens, gardens, and grilles. We also educate on a broad range of subjects from baking to butchery and we are excited to be able to teach children and adults alike. Julia is excited to expand her client base and is looking to open a location soon.
Mary Veinovic is a Miami native who appreciates everything to do with culinary experiences, family gatherings, and friendly reunions; all of which revolve around food! Mary believes that eating together is something to be cherished because it is one of the best ways people can connect. As her journey started, Mary was always anxious to try new experiences within the industry and appreciates the value of traditional service and the aspect of attention to detail that makes the difference between casual and fine dining. Always evolving and searching for inventive ways to create a unique guest experience.
Mary is no stranger to the hospitality industry; being the daughter of both a longtime employee of the Hilton Hotels and an established home cook. Mary's maternal grandfather owned and operated the Coronado Hotel on Collins Avenue in Miami Beach from 1955-1975 which catered to the snow-birds on their seasonal visits to Miami Beach.
Mary is a graduate of the esteemed Johnson & Wales University in Miami, Florida. She has taken her knowledge and experience and excelled in the restaurant business at the most famous establishments such as Michael's Genuine, The Palm Restaurant, The Forge, and Estiatorio Milos by Costas Spiliadis.
Mary is proud and excited to join her partner, Chef Julia Doyne in iCanCook.