Food has a way of bringing people together—of slowing life down just enough to make room for conversation, connection, and gratitude. That’s exactly what private chef Lillia Curry, owner of Lillia Cooks Local, strives to create in every kitchen she enters. From intimate gatherings to weekly meal prep for busy families, her work is rooted in care, creativity, and a genuine love for feeding people well.

Lillia officially launched her business in January 2022 while living in Honolulu, Hawaii. What began as a simple favor—helping a few families with meal prep during a visit to see her brother—quickly turned into something bigger. Her brother encouraged her to explore private cheffing, and with that nudge, Lillia discovered not just a career, but a calling.

“When I got back to Honolulu, I gave it a shot—and I haven’t looked back since,” she shares. “Cooking for others has always been part of my life, but that experience gave me the confidence to take it further.”

In time, Lillia and her husband made the move to Savannah, and in April 2025, they found their home here in Ardsley Park. Now, she brings her heartfelt approach to food to families across the area.

Lillia isn’t a chef who simply drops off dishes and disappears. She puts thought and story into every menu—connecting ingredients not just through flavor, but through memory and meaning.

“What sets me apart is my passion for food as connection,” she says. “Every meal tells a story. When I cook for my clients, I include a bit of their story in each dish.”

Her greatest inspirations in the kitchen? Her mother and sister. She watched them juggle the chaos of life while still putting love into every meal. “They taught me that food is care—and I carry that spirit with me in everything I do.”

Lillia Cooks Local provides personalized in-home meal prep services for professionals and families who want delicious, wholesome meals without the stress of cooking every day. Her menus range from vegan and Mediterranean to classic comfort meals with a nutritious twist—always tailored to dietary preferences.

She also offers intimate in-home catering for gatherings of up to 25 guests. From cozy dinner parties to birthday celebrations, she collaborates with clients to bring their vision to life.

And she’s growing—in the coming year, Lillia plans to expand her meal prep clientele, create more in-home dining experiences, and share more of her recipes and cooking inspiration online through videos and tutorials.

When asked for advice for home cooks in Ardsley Park, Lillia recommends something simple but powerful: start with what’s fresh.

“I always encourage people to visit their local farmers market,” she says. “Cooking what’s in season not only tastes better, but it sparks creativity. And if you have a home garden—even better! There’s nothing like cooking with something you grew yourself.”

Lillia and her husband are new to the neighborhood, but they already feel at home.

“We love it here,” she says. “We take our German Shepherd mix on long walks through the neighborhood and just enjoy the charm—the oak trees, the historic homes, the porch lights glowing in the evening. It’s peaceful and welcoming. We’re grateful to be part of this community.”

When she’s not in the kitchen, you might find Lillia weightlifting, dabbling in powerlifting, or unwinding with a great book. She’s currently reading The Bee Sting by Paul Murray.

Whether she’s chopping vegetables for a week's worth of meals or preparing a candlelit coastal dinner for friends, Lillia believes food should never be boring—or stressful.

“Nutritious meals don’t have to be bland,” she says. “I love starting with simple ingredients and turning them into something special—something that makes people feel excited to gather around the table.”