Earlier this year, Anova donated 17 precision cookers to La Cocina – a San Francisco kitchen incubator focused on low-income food entrepreneurs – to support 13 businesses across the San Francisco Bay area. Since 2005, La Cocina has exclusively focused on small business incubation. Their vision is to increase inclusivity in the food industry and offer equitable opportunity for marginalized communities – specifically working class women of color and immigrant women.
With their support, over 40+ successful businesses have flourished across the San Francisco Bay area including Taco Thai - a globally inspired Thai fusion restaurant founded and owned by Chef Kitiya Ditpare. After spending time in Chicago, New York and DC, Chef Kitty found herself in San Francisco, where she was introduced to La Cocina – an experience that would change her life. .
We got to speak with Chef Kitty to learn more about how she is using her Anova Precision Cooker Pro to give back to the community through her work with La Cocina and the SF New Deal Program.
Chef Kitiya Ditpare’s southern Thai-style dry curry lamb ribs with coconut sticky rice and pickled green papaya
Q&A with Chef Kitty
Q: Could you give us a brief background about yourself and your experience working with La Cocina and TacoThai?
A: Growing up in a family restaurant business in Bangkok, Thailand, food was always an important part of my daily life. Everyone in my family had an integral part to play in the kitchen. I fondly remember the fun times cooking with my parents and my brothers. We laughed over our day and my parents told us about our ancestors while we prepared the meal. My happiness revolves around cooking and great meals. I knew that one day I would start my own food business.
When I found myself in the Bay Area, I knew I had found my home. San Francisco’s dynamic and open culture inspires me to create my own unique culinary experience to share with people. I want to add my own stamp to my food inspired by my family’s recipes and travels. TacoThai is a creation of passion for home cooked Thai food with global inspiration. Working with La Cocina has been a blessing for me. La Cocina’s staff are my biggest supporters to facilitate me in operating my business. I am forever grateful to be part of this community.
Q: How will you be using your new Anova Precision® Cooker Pro to give back?
A: Since COVID-19, I have been cooking for seniors who are in need of nutritious meals. In June, I was able to cook 180 onsen eggs in just 45 minutes using the Anova Precision® Cooker Pro - a huge help when cooking for so many people! The meals were delivered to vulnerable seniors in our community through the SF New Deal program. It is such a great program to support small local businesses and provide delicious and healthy meals to seniors in our community during this tough time. I am incredibly proud to be a part of this mission.
Q: What's your favorite recipe that you’d like to share with our community?
A: A lot of time I cook without a recipe. I learned how to cook by heart from my mom. I usually have to create my own recipes since I like to add my own twist - which is why I’m so passionate about my work at TacoThai! I recently joined the amazing team at Civic Kitchen SF, where I will be hosting Thai Street food cooking classes. Follow me at @tachothaisf to join me for my next class.
Q: Any final words you’d like to share with us?
A: Cooking is an art. Use your creativity to make any dish you like and give back when you can. There is no right or wrong - just cook from your heart! If you would like to support TacoThai and La Cocina, please check out our Larb / Laab community food box, available in both beef and vegan options. It includes ground beef or chickpea with mint, lemongrass, roasted rice powder and lime dressing served with pandan sticky rice.
