Amanda Cusey

Amanda Cusey, Executive Chef at Lake Charles’ The Terrace at Lake Area Adventures, began developing her passion for food while growing up in the southwest United States. Traveling extensively throughout the US and Europe, Chef Amanda received her Cordon Bleu training at the Tante’ Marie Culinary Academy in Surrey, England. Working her way up through the ranks at several restaurants in England and Ireland, she cemented her love of Italian cuisine while working under the guidance of Kristan Burness and Brendan Ward at Fiorentina in Dublin where she ultimately earned the position of Head Chef. Prior to coming to Lake Charles, Chef Amanda worked with Michelin Star chef Oliver Dunne as Head Chef at his Italian inspired pop-up restaurant, Eatily in Dublin’s city center. Chef Amanda spent 6 years bringing her twist on Italian cuisine to downtown Lake Charles as the Executive Chef of the Villa Harlequin Restaurant. During that time she became the second ever Queen of Louisiana Seafood, besting 11 other chefs to win the 15th Annual Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off presented by the Louisiana Seafood Promotion & Marketing Board. Chef Amanda is embracing her new role at The Terrace, and is looking forward to feeding Lake Charles for Many Years to come!