Molly has over thirteen years of experience in the food service industry. From a very young age, with her curious palate and dream of becoming a chef, she began experimenting with foods and hosting dinner parties for friends and family. Eager to become her dad's hard worker and her mother's "little artist," Molly jumped into the career path head-on.
Following graduation from Texas A&M in 2002 with a degree in Journalism/PR, she has advanced from being a volunteer cooking class teacher to becoming known as a "Rising Star Chef of Austin." Molly studied and trained at the Texas Culinary Academy and has held positions at Four Seasons/Houston, Sysco Food Services, and several leading Austin restaurants, including The Mansion on Judges Hill, Jeffrey's, and Hudson's on the Bend. She still assists at Hudson's catering events, including a Texas State Dinner at the Governor's Mansion honoring the President of Mexico, a private party featuring Singer Rod Stewart, ACL, and The Texas Hill Country Wine and Food Festival. Molly was also part of the small production team for Hudson's newest cookbook, Fired Up in 2007.
Until recently, Molly has been serving as Executive Chef of two, Five-Star Sporting Lodges in Alaska and New Zealand. After two years of travelling, Molly is thrilled to be back in Austin, starting The Vanilla Orchid, and spending time with her family.
