The Culinary Chaos of Chef Aricia Alvarado: Food, Spirit Guides & Flavor-Fueled Wisdom

When you think culinary genius, you might not immediately picture panther-mermaids floating through space. But if you’re Chef Aricia Alvarado – restaurateur, award-winning mixologist, and ambiance whisperer – chaos and creativity are all part of the recipe.

In the latest episode of Every Day’s a Train Wreck, Marley sits down with her longtime partner-in-chaos to talk about food, flow, and how plant medicine helped her stop second-guessing and start creating with fire.

Ambiance Is the Secret Sauce

Sure, the pasta matters. But according to Chef Aricia, ambiance is everything. The lighting, the music, even the way a space feels – that’s the real flavor enhancer. Forget truffle oil; dimmer switches are the true luxury ingredient.

From Nicaragua to Alchemy Kitchen

Born on a coffee and cacao plantation in Nicaragua and trained in some of Los Angeles’ most legendary kitchens (hello, Parkway Grill), Aricia brings a global palette to her culinary creations. Her restaurants, including Alchemy Kitchen, blur the line between dining and art. Every plate is edible poetry, every cocktail a mood.

Food, Flow & Creative Intuition

So how does a chef stay inspired? According to Aricia – it’s all about flow. Through pottery, meditation, and yes, a little help from plant medicine, she’s learned to quiet perfectionism and trust her instincts. Turns out, the key to culinary innovation might just be listening to your inner spirit guide (and maybe a panther-mermaid or two).

Why Plant Medicine Changed the Game

For Aricia, plant medicine wasn’t about escaping – it was about grounding. It helped her find clarity, silence self-doubt, and unleash creative energy in the kitchen and beyond. Now, her work is less about chasing perfection and more about channeling intuition.

Pottery, Pasta & Play

Pottery became Aricia’s unexpected teacher. From spinning clay to stirring sauces, she learned to embrace imperfection – and that same philosophy now infuses her food. Her advice? Have more fun with what you eat and how you live. Stop stressing about the perfect soufflé; order the pasta, light the candles, and vibe.

Final Bite

This episode isn’t just about food – it’s about living with flavor, flow, and a little bit of magic. Whether you’re a foodie, a creative, or just someone who believes carbs are love letters, Aricia’s story is proof that life tastes better when you stop second-guessing and start savoring.

🎧 Listen now to Episode 41: From Bolognese to Spirit Panthers – Chef Aricia Alvarado on Food, Flow & Plant Medicine.