Chef Leilani: Culinary Innovator and Visionary in Food & Wine

Chef Leilani (she/her) is the Executive Chef and Owner of The Gilded Spoon Catering and Events and Vin En Noir, Napa. A native of Oakland, California, her culinary journey began in childhood, shaped by the rich cultural influences of her two grandmothers—one a Chinese immigrant and the other a Southern housekeeper. Through their teachings, she discovered that food and hospitality were the heart of connection, blending flavors from both her heritage to create unique and soulful dishes.

In 2011, Chef Leilani turned her passion into a business, selling her signature dishes from home. Her talent quickly gained recognition, and in 2013, she was invited to cater for a former San Francisco Police Commissioner’s birthday brunch. That event became a turning point, propelling her into full-scale catering with the launch of Elle B Events. Her clientele grew to include prestigious names such as Deloitte & Touché, Reed Smith, Kaiser Permanente, and celebrity clients.

Drawn to the vibrant culinary culture of New Orleans, Chef Leilani returned in 2015 to deepen her craft, infusing Southern and Cajun cuisine with an Asian twist. This passion gave rise to Roux and Vine, now The Gilded Spoon, in 2017, a brand that embodied her signature fusion of flavors.

In 2020, at the height of the pandemic, she opened Magnolia Street, a full-service Southern restaurant in the heart of West Oakland, the community that raised her. Magnolia Street became a beloved gathering place, but after 3.5 years, it closed its doors due to rising crime and a lack of city support for local restaurants.

During this time, Chef Leilani also made her mark in the world of television, earning the nickname “Food Network Baby” after competing in four shows. The experience fueled her drive for new challenges and creative endeavors.

Her next chapter led her to the world of wine, where she saw an opportunity to create something truly groundbreaking. On November 24, 2023, Vin En Noir opened in Napa—becoming the first Black and Asian-owned collective wine tasting room in Napa and Sonoma Counties. Dedicated to celebrating BIPOC and women winemakers, Vin En Noir offers an inclusive space for wine lovers of all levels to enjoy expertly curated selections and engaging conversation. It is more than a tasting room—it is a movement, a celebration of diversity in the wine industry, and a testament to Chef Leilani’s visionary spirit.