Today we’d like to introduce you to Cortney Riley.
Hi Cortney, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Cooking has always been a part of my life. I guess you can say my life is full of “foodie” moments. I have some pretty amazing memories of my grandmother’s pound cake and trips to French bakery’s for croissants and coffee. My father was a huge influence as well especially in the food industry…plus taught me how to make the perfect medium rare steak… I was hooked and I don’t remember a time where cooking wasn’t a part of my life. Through the years, I have learned to incorporate my art and love for food together and create my own style. In 2014, I created my first brand Madfoodie LLC a catering and private chef company in Kansas City. After a few years of catering, I then branched out to recipe development and food photography which changed the way I saw food. Creating became my new food love and the journey from there has been nothing but amazing. This past year a new food journey began and Croute Bakery was born from my home during the pandemic. I never thought I would be into pastries and baking this much, plus the support has been unreal! I’m so excited to see where this one will take me!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it has not been a smooth ride. When you don’t know exactly what you want to do or where you fit in, it’s hard. You just have to trust the journey and learn along the way from your mistakes.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Currently, I’m a private chef and home baker – Croute KC – specializing in cobblers, cookies and cakes. I’m most proud of both of my Brands Madfoodie and Croute KC. they both represent me so well and all of my accomplishments in the food industry. I think what sets me apart from other chef is my own style and flavor. I have the ability to create art with food and bend with the trends.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Yes, don’t jump too far ahead of yourself. Everything is changing on a daily basis. always have a plan B…C and sometimes a D.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: croute.biz
- Instagram: Madfoodie
- Facebook: croute
Image Credits
Cortney D. Riley – Madfoodie
