Christa Csoka
With over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Chef Christa Csoka blends classical French training with a deep-rooted passion for community, creativity, and globally inspired cuisine.
A graduate of the French Culinary Institute in NYC, her culinary journey led her through the kitchens of renowned restaurants such as Daniel (NYC), Tru and the Pump Room (Chicago), and others in Austin and Charlotte. She trained under legendary Master Chefs including Jacques Pépin, Jacques Torres, Alain Sailhac, and André Soltner.
She opened the Artisan’s Palate, a vibrant culinary and artistic hub in Charlotte, NC in 2019. Christa’s menu reflects her diverse culinary influences and personal stories. Her cuisine is “globally inspired, locally sourced,” with a strong emphasis on fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients. The restaurant also features a rotating art gallery, immersive tasting events, and a commitment to supporting local artisans and farmers. Her approach to hospitality is rooted in warmth, storytelling, and a belief that every culinary experience should engage all five senses.
Related Event
The Artisan’s Palate is a restaurant, craft cocktail/wine bar and art gallery in the NoDa neighborhood of Charlotte offering a globally-inspired/locally-sourced menu in a relaxed atmosphere with a focus on art and those who create it. For this special 90/90 event, Chef Christa Csoka and the husband-and-wife team Rachel Klebaur and Jose Espinosa from Orrman's Cheese Shop — all alumni and classmates from the French Culinary Institute during Jacques Pépin’s tenure as Dean — will offer a sumptuous five-course food and wine pairing. Each course will highlight the exquisite cheeses from Orrman's Cheese Shop, seamlessly blended with our French culinary heritage to showcase the profound influence of Jacques Pépin on their culinary journeys.