Cassie Piuma

Cassie Piuma is an American chef and restaurateur best known as the executive chef and co-owner of the acclaimed Mediterranean restaurant Sarma in Somerville, Massachusetts. A protégé of celebrated chef Ana Sortun, Piuma has gained recognition for her innovative approach to Ottoman and Middle Eastern flavors, earning accolades such as a James Beard Award nomination. Her career has also included notable appearances on culinary television programs.

Early life and education

Cassie Piuma was raised in a family with Italian-American heritage in New England, where she developed an early interest in food. She pursued her undergraduate studies at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, graduating with a degree in Psychology. Following her passion for cooking, she subsequently enrolled at the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu culinary school, completing her formal culinary training in Paris. This foundational education provided the technical skills that would later inform her creative work in professional kitchens across the Boston area.

Culinary career

Piuma's professional culinary journey began under the mentorship of chef Ana Sortun at the renowned Oleana in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Her talent and dedication led to a rapid ascent, and she eventually became the chef de cuisine at Oleana, where she honed her expertise in Eastern Mediterranean spices and techniques. During this period, she also contributed to the menu development and operations at Sortun's other ventures, including the bakery Sofra Bakery & Café. Her work at these establishments established her reputation within the Greater Boston culinary scene as a master of complex, flavor-driven cuisine.

Sarma restaurant

In 2013, Piuma partnered with Ana Sortun and businesswoman Mary-Catherine Deibel to open Sarma in Somerville's Davis Square. As executive chef, Piuma designed a menu inspired by the vibrant meze tradition of the Eastern Mediterranean, featuring an array of creative small plates. The restaurant's innovative format and bold flavors earned immediate critical praise, including a glowing review from the Boston Globe and a nomination for the James Beard Award for Best Chef: Northeast in 2020. Sarma has consistently been ranked among the top restaurants in Boston by publications like Eater and Boston magazine.

Television appearances

Piuma's culinary expertise has led to several appearances on national television. She competed as a contestant on the popular Food Network series Beat Bobby Flay, showcasing her skills against the famed chef. She has also been featured on other programs highlighting American culinary talent, further raising her profile beyond the regional dining scene. These appearances have helped introduce her innovative approach to Turkish and Greek culinary traditions to a wider audience.

Personal life

Cassie Piuma maintains a relatively private personal life, focusing her public presence on her culinary work and restaurant. She is an active participant in the local Boston food community, often collaborating with other chefs for charity events and culinary festivals. Residing in the Boston metropolitan area, she continues to draw inspiration from travel, historical cookbooks, and the diverse food culture of New England for her evolving menus at Sarma.

Category:American chefs Category:Restaurateurs from Massachusetts Category:Le Cordon Bleu alumni