Tiburon chef finds her way through a universe of flavors NBC Bay Area [Video]

Even before the prestigious culinary degree, the ascent through a celebrity chef’s demanding Bay Area restaurant program, Chef Daniela Vergara already had a serious cooking master imparting the wisdom that would shape her food journey.  

“I would say the strictest chef I had was my mother,” said Vergara, executive chef at the chic Bungalow Kitchen in Tiburon. “I still have her in my head sometimes.” 

Vergara is a rising star in the Bay Area’s food scene — working her way steadily through a number of well-heeled restaurants, exploring the international flavors of a variety of cuisines. 

Growing up in Queens, New York, Vergara was immersed in the family’s Colombian heritage, especially when it came to food. At family weddings and other celebrations, there were no outside caterers. The family did the catering — with mama at the helm. 

“Cooking with her really struck that wanton to learn and explore more …