GUEST CHEF
Claudia Debrowski
For Chef Claudia Debrowski, krokiety has always been a cherished dish, especially during Wigilia, the Polish Christmas Eve celebration. Each bite brings back memories of family warmth and togetherness, while the crunchy breadcrumbs and tangy sauerkraut recall the lively energy of her childhood home. With a large extended family, many of whom still reside in Poland, the gatherings in the States were always filled with excitement—thirty-plus relatives squeezed into a living room, sharing laughter, stories, and lighthearted jokes. For her, Wigilia was not just about tradition but about the joy, chaos, and connection that food could bring.
Cooking has always been at the heart of Debrowski’s life. Some of her fondest childhood memories involve making pierogi alongside her mother and two older sisters, their small hands expertly pinching dumpling edges in friendly competition. Those moments, filled with laughter and love, instilled in her a deep appreciation for the process of creating something from scratch and sharing it with others. Today, that same sense of excitement and togetherness drives her passion in the kitchen. Exploring new flavors, techniques, and ingredients fuels her creativity while reinforcing the universal connection that food provides—an experience that brings people closer, one meal at a time.
