CIA Alumni Bio
Since graduating at the top of her class at the CIA, Maureen Christian-Petrosky ’99 has worked as a professional chef, instructor, and food stylist, and has been a frequent television guest. She has appeared on CNN, CNN Headline News, the Food Network, and FOX News Network to discuss hot topics in the culinary industry. Maureen is a regular contributor to NBC’s Today show and hosts multiple video series on Today.com. She has appeared as a judge for Food Network’s Iron Chef America, Beat Bobby Flay, the James Beard Book & Broadcast Awards, and is a KCBS (Kansas City Barbeque Society) certified Barbeque judge. She is a freelance writer and contributing editor for Bon Appétit and Better Homes and Gardens magazines, founding editor for foodrepublic.com, and writes a column on cocktails for thekitchn.com. “There are so many options outside of restaurants for culinary professionals,” said Maureen. “If creativity is what first tempted you into the kitchen, then I encourage you all to explore the many artistic outlets in the culinary arts.”
Food Styling
Maureen began her television career behind the scenes in the roles of executive producer, culinary producer, and food stylist on Food Network shows including Good Eats, Cooking Think, Cooking Live, Emeril Live, East Meets West, Taste, Chef du Jour, Hot Off the Grill, Boy Meets Grill, Cooking with Wolfgang Puck, and Semi-Homemade with Sandra Lee. She has worked as a food stylist in both film and print for clients including McDonald’s, RJ Reynolds, Quaker Oats, Hellman’s, Aramark, Random House, and Olive Garden.
The Wine Club and Cocktail Club
Maureen published her first book, The Wine Club: A Month-by-Month Guide to Learning About Wine with Friends in 2005, which includes her best recipes as well as wine and entertainment tips. That same year she filmed an eight-part public television series called So Easy to Preserve that aired in nine markets. Maureen’s second book, The Cocktail Club: A Year of Recipes and Tips for Spirited Tasting Parties was published in 2014.
In addition to her culinary arts degree from the CIA, Maureen holds a bachelor’s degree in general arts from Villanova University and certification from the Master Court of Sommeliers. She travels extensively throughout Southeast Asia, Europe, Africa, and the United States, constantly exploring new flavors, cultures, and cuisines.
Chef Maureen Petrosky majored in culinary arts at The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY. She is an author, food stylist, culinary judge, and TV personality.