Ugly Duckling & Chaval

Portland, Maine's Ilma Lopez understands the importance of food and waste from her upbringing in Venezuela and her experience with food insecurity. Now, as a two-time James Beard nominee, Head Chef of Ugly Duckling and co-owner of Chaval, Ilma elevates food to a more sustainable approach.

Ilma maximizes ingredients she uses to minimize food waste, even incorporating milk from steeped pork bones into her acclaimed ice cream, demonstrating her dedication to sustainable cooking.

Her commitment to her community and her environment is evident in her numerous initiatives. In 2020, she fed 3,000 Portland students during the COVID pandemic and led a campaign to raise funds for Bakers Against Racism and other organizations. She worked on transforming local ingredients into meals for those in need through collaboration with local restaurants, promoting both food security and sustainability.

As a young chef, Ilma sets a high standard for the industry, demonstrating the true value of food in nourishing community—sustainably, inclusively, and delectably.

Contact and Reservation Information:

Ugly Duckling 246 Danforth St, Portland, ME 04102, United States

Chaval 58 Pine St, Portland, ME 04102, United States