Meet Our

Chefs

Chef Alana

Owner & Operator

Alana is a private chef known for crafting globally inspired comfort cuisine that feels as welcoming as a home-cooked meal. Her love for food began in childhood, cooking alongside her Italian stepfather, where she discovered the joy and connection that food can bring. Growing up in Holland, she was also immersed in a range of European food traditions, further shaping her appreciation for diverse flavors and cultural influences.
After nearly a decade in the financial sector—working across government relations, commodities, lending, and crypto—Alana felt called back to the kitchen and made the bold decision to pursue cooking professionally. She attended culinary school and, shortly after graduating, launched her own meal prep company, combining her culinary skills with a passion for health and wellness.
Her business quickly gained traction through partnerships with local gyms and fitness professionals, providing meals tailored to a wide range of health and performance goals—from macro-balanced plans and high-protein menus to accommodating clients with specific dietary needs such as keto, vegan, gluten-free, and autoimmune-supportive protocols. This hands-on experience taught her how to craft meals that are not only nourishing and goal-oriented but also full of flavor and soul.
Now based in Arizona, Alana continues to grow her culinary business, offering curated meals, event catering, and in-home dining experiences out of her full commercial kitchen and food truck. Her work emphasizes local ingredients, seasonal cooking, and connection to the community she serves.
With a cooking style influenced by her European roots and global perspective, Alana blends international flavors with a heartwarming, comfort-driven approach. For her, every plate is an opportunity to tell a story, support local growers, and bring people together—one nourishing meal at a time.

Chef Hannah

Head Chef and Nutrition Specialist

Hannah is a dedicated chef and a vital part of the alanainthekitchen team, known for her culinary expertise and unwavering passion for turning wholesome ingredients into crave-worthy meals. With years of experience in professional kitchens and a strong foundation in nutrition science, she crafts meals that don’t just taste incredible—they also fuel your body with purpose. As part of the team’s mission to make healthy eating both exciting and accessible, Hannah is committed to proving that plant-based food can be just as bold and flavorful as any other cuisine.
Her deep belief in the power of diet to transform overall health inspired her to pursue credentials as a Registered Dietitian. She understands how overwhelming food choices can be and recognizes the urgent need for clear, supportive guidance—especially as so many struggle with diet-related challenges. Whether you’re chasing fitness goals, navigating a busy lifestyle, or simply aiming to eat more mindfully, Hannah brings chef-level creativity, balanced nutrition, and stress-free solutions to every plate. With Hannah in the kitchen, food becomes not just fuel, but joy.

Chef Lizbeth Szabo

Executive Chef and Kitchen Manager

Chef Lizbeth brings a genuine passion for nature’s bounty to the Plate and Purpose team, turning fresh, seasonal ingredients into memorable dishes. Her culinary approach focuses on using locally sourced produce and sustainable practices that respect the earth and its cycles.
A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of culinary school, Chef Lizbeth gained valuable experience working in fine dining restaurants where she refined her skills and developed a thoughtful approach to flavor and presentation. She has also worked in private dining and seasonal event catering, giving her a well-rounded perspective on delivering quality meals in a variety of settings.
Dedicated to making delicious and nutritious food accessible, Chef Lizbeth specializes in sourcing ingredients from local farms and ranches to create meals that are both fresh and satisfying. She believes that honoring nature and sustainability is essential to crafting truly exceptional dining experiences.

Chef Hannah
Sous Chef and Nutrition Specialist
Hannah is a dedicated chef and a vital part of the Plate and Purpose team, known for her culinary expertise and unwavering passion for turning wholesome ingredients into crave-worthy meals. With years of experience in professional kitchens and a strong foundation in nutrition science, she crafts meals that don’t just taste incredible—they also fuel your body with purpose. As part of the team’s mission to make healthy eating both exciting and accessible, Hannah is committed to proving that plant-based food can be just as bold and flavorful as any other cuisine.
Her deep belief in the power of diet to transform overall health inspired her to pursue credentials as a Registered Dietitian. She understands how overwhelming food choices can be and recognizes the urgent need for clear, supportive guidance—especially as so many struggle with diet-related challenges. Whether you’re chasing fitness goals, navigating a busy lifestyle, or simply aiming to eat more mindfully, Hannah brings chef-level creativity, balanced nutrition, and stress-free solutions to every plate. With Hannah in the kitchen, food becomes not just fuel, but joy.