Lenora Marouani

Chef Lenora Marouani is the Chef/Co-Owner of Barsha in Hermosa Beach & Barsha Wines & Spirits Tasting Room in Manhattan Beach. Raised by a single mother in Hawthorne, she came to grow and appreciate the art of simple cooking. She took a home-economics class in high school and was blown away, which later led her to Culinary School at LATTC. She got a degree in Culinary Arts, then gained experience at various restaurants and hotels in LA including the Ritz Carlton. 

She then made a trek to Las Vegas to take her career to the next level. She worked at various kitchens including Caesar's Palace (Restaurant Guy Savoy) where she met her husband/partner, and the Wynn Hotel (Alex Restaurant). Together, they went back home to Cali, gained more experience, and soon opened up their first entrepreneurial project: Barsha Wine & Spirits, a wine bar & wine/spirits shop in Manhattan Beach, established for 8 years. They had two daughters along the way. Then a year ago, they opened up their very first restaurant together, Barsha in Hermosa Beach. The restaurant is an eclectic blend of both Lenora's & Adnen's cultures & experiences intertwined. 

Chef Lenora, being of African American and Samoan descent, is excited to bring a taste of her culture, and inspirations to Re:Her Festival and to pay homage to all of the Matriarchs in her life that have shaped her and her cuisine.