Today we’d like to introduce you to Lizzie Hartman.
Hi Lizzie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Just above a rock outcropping set against a snow covered ice field in Alaska lies the Sheldon Chalet, home to an exquisite get-away, complete with extreme sport outdoor guide staff, a personal concierge, and an exclusive chef. My exciting life journey has led me here to this fly-in glacier resort, where I craft, design and decorate to my heart’s content. This journey began with YouTube menu instructions, volunteer chef work for community service meals, and instagram posting of my favorite creations. MasterChef staff noticed the Alaskan theme to my menus and plating and invited me to compete on season 13. I was thrilled to place in the top 10 and represent my state among some great competitors. My two boys, husband, family and friends waited patiently for my return to Alaska and then watched the airing episodes each week with me as I relived the exciting time with Gordon Ramsey and crew.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Needless to say life didn’t slow down and with exposure from the show I was invited to chef and share in many great locations and with many wonderful groups around Alaska and beyond. A favorite was returning to my special group of community youth where we cooked together, learned life-skills and Alaska Native culture and foods. Just a year or so after the show’s airing and the landslide of opportunities that came my way, my husband, and children’s father, passed away in a tragic motorcycle accident. The extra work was needed more than ever but was done through tears and heartbreak. My golden-heart Fairbanks family stood with me and supported in every way helping my world keep turning when even breathing was a challenge.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
The Heli ride to my chalet work is inspiring and the northern lights over the peak of Denali mountain on dark winter evenings give me new ideas for decorating pavlova desserts for the selective clients there. I love creating in a kitchen where my canvas is a serving platter, and sauces, spices and sugary treats give a palette of color to create a gallery of tasty and beautiful displays. I forage for Alaska’s best berries, source local fish, and pick edible flowers to offer a unique plate and give a taste of the far north to those I’m honored to serve.
What matters most to you?
My family is my heart, and ensuring the well-being of my children is what drives me to tackle new challenges and pushes me through long hours and exhausting travel. They brighten my world with happiness, laughter, and fun, as we all move forward together in our grief journey and celebrate new opportunities and experiences. We work together serving our community with culinary classes for at-risk youth and are developing a campus to host multi-day training and retreat sessions, for this important group.
Contact Info:
- Website: alaskalizzie.com chenacamp.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alaska.lizzie/?hl=en
