Born and raised in Cherry Hill, New Jersey by way of Philadelphia, Chef Nana Wilmot grew up with her older brother Kobi and parents Olivia and Peter. Raised by her grandmother Georgina as a 1st generation Ghanaian American, Nana learned how to cook by the age of 7. During much time spent in the kitchen with Gram Georgina, Nana learned the importance of family, tradition and values. By the time Gra
m Georgina headed back to Ghana, as Nana entered high school, she had mastered home favorites like Jollof rice and beef stew. After attending 2 years at Kean University for PR/ Communications, Nana struggled to find her passion. Back home and spending time with her mother, Nana started cooking again. Her intuition signed her up for the Art Institute of Philadelphia Culinary program in 2009 and the support of her family got her through 2 degrees; AS in Culinary Arts and BS in Culinary Management. All while starting her catering business Georgina’s in 2011. While residing in Philly Nana worked in several kitchens: TIME, Vinatge wine bar/bistro, McCormick and Schmidt’s, Reef, Tinto/Amada and Fitler dining room to name a few. Working under Iron Chef Jose Garces, Nana found the opportunity of a lifetime to move to NYC in 2016. A part of the opening team, Nana led her team as Lead Line Cook with mentor and CDC Justin Bogle. After the death of her Gram Georgina, Nana spent some time in Ghana learning and cooking traditional foods. Soon after she returned to the US and made her way into fine dining at critically acclaimed French restaurant Le Cou Cou, where Nana and the team earned James Beard Best New Restaurant 2017, 3 stars NY Times and 1 Michelin star to name a few. Paying her dues, Nana made her way around the kitchen, making her the first and only Black female Meat Roast. Nana left CouCou shortly after in late 2019, as she was offered a job opportunity in Paris. As she transitioned, Chef Nana began bartending at a small Natural wine bar, expanding her palette in wine knowledge. Once Covid hit NYC, Chef Nana relocated back home with her mother where she has been rebuilding her Georgina’s brand and working on projects like Love That I Knead supper club and baking Auntie’s Sweet Rolls!
