Woldy Reyes is the New York-based chef and founder of the boutique catering company Woldy Kusina. Reyes champions a simple philosophy of good food and good experiences and uses seasonal and sustainable ingredients to create vibrant dishes that celebrate his Filipino heritage—and reflect his equally bold sense of style. Reyes has been featured in New York magazine and goop, and collaborated with brands like 3.1 Phillip Lim and Del Core. His newest event series, Kamayan, unites the culinarily curious to feast on Filipino delights.
We caught up with Woldy to talk about sharing Filipino food with his family, escaping the city, and always applying sunscreen.
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What does 'home' mean to you?
"Home to me is a sanctuary to be grounded for relaxation and rest."
Who are the important women or matriarchs in your life?
"The matriarchs in my life are my mom and Lola Dominga. Outside of my family are my friends Tara and Maryah. From life and business, what lessons have these women imparted that you keep with you? They have instilled me with care, community and compassion."
What early memories or impactful experiences influenced you to
become a Chef?
"When it comes to cooking, I have two strong memories from my childhood living in Walnut, a suburban neighborhood east of Los Angeles. First there’s me and my twin brother accompanying our father on a trip to a local farm for a grim errand — picking out a goat that would go on to be butchered and handed back to us in a neatly wrapped package. Later, it would be simmered for hours in a big pot out in the backyard with sauteed onions and a lot of garlic, and I remember this robust smell perfuming the air. My family were unapologetically Filipino, I smile to think about it. The reward would come as we sat together, feasting on this decadent meal, the Filipino speciality Kalderetang Kambing, or Celebratory Goat Stew. Thisdeep and rich terra cotta color stew had warming spice that’s served over rice that I found so comforting as a child.
My other memory, by contrast, is spending time in the garden that belonged to my Lola, my grandmother. She was so proud of her garden. She’d go snip things and start cooking with it. Watching food go from ground to stove to plate left a powerful impression on me, and I see echoes of it today in my own home garden. It’s these two recollections that have fueled so much of my career as a chef."
“Think BIG, BELIEVE + LOVE yourself!"
How are food and care connected for you?
"Food plays a role in stimulating a sense of belonging and community which equates to care and compassion."
You’re extremely stylish and have deepened your ties to the fashion world. What connections do you draw between food and fashion?
What’s the one step in your beauty or grooming routine you can’t skip?
"I cannot skip on applying moisturizing sunscreen!"
For a busy chef living in New York, what does it mean to
‘come home to Yourself’?
"To stop, slow down and escape from the chaotic noise of the city!"
Woldy's Ritual:
