Check Out Amy Pappas’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Pappas. Them and their team share their story with us below:

Chase the Flavor started as an effort to incorporate our existing event planning skills and contacts into something new. Throughout event planning endeavors over the years, we have come in contact with many chefs and other professionals in the food industry. The pivot from planning in-person events to planning online food experiences was an easy transition and resulted in Chase the Flavor. 

Chase the Flavor has produced 50+ classes, worked with 25+ Food & Beverage professionals, and have supported various non-profit organizations. 

Learn to cook new recipes from professional chefs, sharpen your cooking skills and discover new kitchen techniques – all from the comfort of your own kitchen. Sign up for a class, receive the ingredient list and method in advance, and logon for a fun, virtual experience. 

Visit Chase the Flavor.com for virtual cooking classes featuring some of Northeast Ohio’s most popular and well-known chefs and culinary entrepreneurs. Sign up, get an ingredient list to shop, and log on for a fun virtual cooking tutorial. 

It’s easy, fun, and you can do it right in your own kitchen. Learn something new and sit down for a gourmet meal that you made yourself. 

Food and drink brings people together. Food and drink shifts the dynamic. Food and drink lighten the mood and takes our minds off current events. Food and drink creates community. Join us for a virtual cooking class or experience and chase the flavor. 

Food has a special ability to bring people together. I often find this in my own life, and I hope you will find that this online community feels just as welcoming as a real kitchen. For me, cooking together builds the best communities! 

In September 2020, we kicked off another arm of Chase the Flavor for Corporate and Team Building experiences. 

Let’s Chase the Flavor together! 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Overall, it has been a smooth road, but… there have been a few obstacles … while most chefs I have connected with have been very responsive to working with us and are interested in getting involved, there have been a few that feel overwhelmed with the current state of staffing, etc. and have passed on leading a class (for now!). 

It has been interesting to see that people, for the most part, are still interested in cooking at home and learning from chefs in the comfort of their own kitchen. While I saw a little drop in summer attendance, it seems to be picking up for the upcoming classes this fall. 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Amy has had over 25 years of event planning and management experience. A major in Psychology at Marietta College has enabled her to relate with a wide variety of people in many different businesses. We plan a wide variety of events for various organizations and businesses including (but not limited to) black-tie galas, golf tournaments, conferences, street festivals, client appreciation events. 

After working in the events and development area for several years at Executive Arrangements, Cleveland Bicentennial Commission, Cleveland Sport & Social Club, American Cancer Society, and University Hospitals, Amy decided to start aza events, LLC in 2001. 

Amy is a community volunteer for organizations in the Greater Cleveland area. She feels the importance of giving back to the community and enjoys working with other like-minded philanthropic individuals. 

In May 2020, Amy pivoted during the pandemic and started Chase the Flavor, a virtual food experiences series. 

What makes you happy?
A lot of things make me happy and I feel that being a happy person comes from within. I have a fantastic circle of family and friends in my life, I enjoy my work, I enjoy traveling, and being active. I am a pretty well-rounded person and find that helps play a role in my happiness. 

Contact Info:

• Email: amy@azaevents.net
• Website: chasetheflavor.org
• Instagram: @chase_theflavor
• Facebook: @chasetheflavorcle
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7vsMVOdYphnKDP1NIXJEcg