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“Candy
Lesher is an incredible
talent whose charm, wit and
personality capture the
attention of anyone that has
the pleasure of
being in her audience.
Her talents have enhanced
any event that she
has emceed for our
company and the positive
reactions that I have
received from attendees
have been truly amazing.
I would use Candy’s
services at every possible
opportunity and be truly
grateful for her
participation.”
Bob Stamm
President,
SunWest Appliance Distributing
Exclusive Viking Distributor in the
Southwest and former sponsor of
food & life television. |
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“Candy
redefines passion
in everything she works on.
She is the quintessential
spokesperson and TV
personality. I truly enjoyed
working on projects with
Candy, and learning from
her in-depth knowledge
of the culinary arts.”
Michael Famileti
United Auto Group
(including Bentley Motors Scottsdale,
food & life television sponsor) |
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For
more quotes... |
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One on One Interview with Iron Chef Cat Cora |
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In the Kitchen - Candy's Tequila Shrimp |
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-
Award-winning television host and
executive producer
- Inductee into Culinary Hall of Fame
as Culinary Media Master
- James Beard Panelist
- Public speaker
- Chef and former restaurateur
- Television personality
- Writer and editor
- Culinary consultant
- Cooking instructor |
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Having devoted a lifetime to the pursuit of culinary
related skills,
knowledge and excellence, Ms. Lesher
entered the professional world
with a successful
made-to-order bakery.
That experience provided her
the invaluable expertise and indispensable business
savvy which catapulted her into the role of chef,
instructor, writer, television personality, public
speaker, consultant, award-winning author, editor-in-chief
of food & life magazine plus host and executive
producer of food & life television – winner
of two Telly Awards in 2006. |
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Through
the years, Ms. Lesher has been honored to be one
of very few chosen to act as a panelist for the
highly esteemed, annual James Beard Foundation Awards,
the equivalent of the “Oscar’s”
in the culinary world.
In 2006, she was inducted by her peers into the
Culinary Hall of Fame as a Culinary Media Master,
in recognition of Ms. Lesher’s excellence
in three major culinary-focused media arenas –
as a journalist, a television host/executive producer,
and a public speaker. |
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As
a result of her dynamic personality and comfort
with public speaking,
Ms. Lesher has become a highly
sought event host and master of ceremonies.
From
hosting food & life magazine’s
successful string of cooking classes featuring Golden
Plate Award winning chefs or hosting chefs at the
Valley’s newest culinary event, Phoenix Cooks
– to emceeing JR McDade’s highly publicized
Dine & Design series or the annual Viking event,
her vibrant style of public speaking has made her
a keynote element to successful events. |
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Ms.
Lesher was also sought out by IDG, publisher of
the highly successful For Dummies series
of books to contribute recipes to one of their publications.
Her recipes have been featured at New York City’s
American Institute of Wine and Food Annual Conference
with dishes from her award-winning book, The
Great American Beer Cookbook served at their
annual gala banquet.
Ms.
Lesher is also a veteran cooking instructor, having
conducted over 600 cooking classes both locally
and nationally, including such locations as the
prestigious “Cooking School of the Rockies”
in Boulder, Colorado. It was through these classes
that Ms. Lesher became a popular culinary personality
and chef on Phoenix’s NBC affiliate, KPNX-TV
Channel 12 for over eleven years.
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Off screen, those years were spent as a chef and
restaurateur while later assisting in the development
and launch of food & life magazine (originally
AZ Food & Lifestyles magazine), where she was
ultimately offered the position of editor-in-chief.
Ms. Lesher also spearheaded – as executive
producer and host – food & life television,
a Telly Award winning show that aired for over two
years. Ms. Lesher has refocused on her true passion, conducting cooking classes, which are held in her full Viking kitchen. |
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