Kimberley Ashlee always goes above and beyond to create an unforgettable delicious dining experience for her guests. Whether she is catering a beautiful wedding with her catering company or 
cooking at her restaurants – Terrene in the Southside or Christian James in downtown Pittsburgh – every meal is a celebration and every dish is savored.
“Being of Filipino decent, cooking has always been much more than a familial past time but was a way to support a very large family. Both my grandmothers, single mothers, cooked to earn a living. It was what they knew. So, they cooked out of their homes to collect a small profit. Today my dad owns his own restaurant in Toronto. Needless to say, food continues to unite our family.”
Kimberley went on to reflect on her family’s influence on her path to become a top chef. “My parents were both immigrants to Canada. As an only child, I was very observant. I watched my parents fight to turn their jobs into a career and navigate through a divorce and during the journey they heeded strong advice about work ethic, saving, and planning for the future, always doing my best. I can’t say that I have typical Asian parents who did 
everything for me because they demanded I kept my head down in my studies. Yes, excelling in school was important but they taught me how to be independent and brave enough to do the right thing.”
Kimberley works the long hours of restauranteur and yet she makes ample time to pour into her daughter with love and guidance. In fact, she homeschools her by day. Madison can be seen at the restaurants in her child-sized chef’s outfit or traveling the world with her parents. When asked about the legacy that Kimberley wants to leave for her daughter she replied that legacy is, “… such a weighted word. I guess I would like to make sure that my daughter has great stories and positive points of reference when she thinks of me. I hope she feels empowered when she looks back at what I’ve done in my career and uses it as a jumping-off point to set a high bar for herself. The biggest 
thing I want to leave her with is the confidence and tools to secure her own future without any dependence.”
I have had the distinct pleasure of dining at her restaurant Christian James and I was blown away by the delectable dishes and the aesthetic beauty of the plated food.
I was also impressed that she is donating her delectable desserts 
to the Powerful Women’s Summit – Mansion Soiree – supporting the Global Sisterhood and the Women of Impact and Innovation International because she loves to lift up other women business owners like herself.
Kimberley stated, “I love culture and history. I have a profound respect for the flavors and methods of cuisines. I love bringing that together in one dish by preparing it paired with a 
sauce that is inspired by one country and serving it specific way – usually the dish contains layers of flavors and international influences.”
Kimberley Ashlee prides herself on creating events and foods that celebrate a range of backgrounds and perspectives. If you have the chance, be sure to put up a seat. Everyone feels welcome and satisfied when dining with Kimberley Ashlee!
