OXO Welcomes New Talented Chefs for 2025 Chefs in Residence Program

OXO Announces 2025 Chefs in Residence: Fariyal Abdullahi and Danielle Sepsy

The world of culinary arts is buzzing with excitement as OXO, a renowned consumer brand under Helen of Troy Limited, enters its fifth year of the celebrated Chefs in Residence program. This year, the lineup features two exceptional chefs: Fariyal Abdullahi, Executive Chef at Hav Mar, and Danielle Sepsy, the creative founder of The Hungry Gnome. Their addition signals a shift towards a deeper emotional connection with food, embodied in the 2025 theme, Cook the Mood.

A Fresh Culinary Perspective

The OXO Chefs in Residence program is designed to move beyond traditional cooking into a realm where food evokes emotions and personal stories. Fariyal and Danielle are set to explore diverse gastronomic expressions that connect nostalgia, comfort, pride, and joy with culinary creations. “I’m thrilled to join OXO’s program and share recipes from cherished childhood memories,” expresses Chef Sepsy, aiming to inspire cooks everywhere to embrace creativity and boldness in their kitchens.

Chef Fariyal echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of sharing emotional and cultural narratives through food. She highlights how essential it is for people to see the kitchen as a space of community and personal connection. The chefs will showcase recipes ranging from Cinnamon Buns (representing pride) and Cacio E Pepe Pastina (evoking nostalgia) to Doro Wat (symbolizing joy) and Biryani (embodying comfort). Each recipe is more than just a dish—it's a story meant to enrich home cooking experiences.

Learning from the Masters

Throughout the ongoing campaign, both chefs will contribute globally inspired recipes alongside practical cooking tips. OXO's digital presence, including social media channels and blogs, will be filled with engaging content, allowing home cooks to easily replicate and personalize these dishes.

Fariyal Abdullahi, born in Ethiopia, brings a rich cultural background and culinary expertise gained from her experiences across 59 countries and her training at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America. Initially pursuing a degree in Clinical Child Psychology, she pivoted towards her true passion for food. With a background that includes working in the three-Michelin-starred restaurant Noma, Fariyal aims to combine her Ethiopian roots with locally-sourced sustainable practices.

Her dishes are a testament to her creativity and have graced high-profile events like the Met Gala and various Food Network shows. Fariyal's motto embraces the power of food in linking emotion with cultural heritage, encouraging her followers to explore these connections as well.

On the other hand, Danielle Sepsy, often heralded as the