Chef Nikki Pettineo, CEC, B.S., is a dynamic culinary educator, entertainer, and entrepreneur on a mission to help everyone “Cook Like A Pro.” She is the creator, producer, and on-camera host of the educational YouTube series Nikki Talks Food, and the founder and proprietor of Pro Seasoning — a gourmet line of small-batch, characterful seasoning blends. (Chef Nikki Pettineo)

Since 2013, Nikki has dedicated her career to teaching a wide spectrum of learners — from aspiring chefs in formal culinary environments to home cooks eager to level up, and even justice-involved individuals participating in workforce development programs at Quincy Annex Correctional Facility.

In March 2022, Chef Nikki appeared as a featured contender on the culinary competition series Rat in the Kitchen with Chef Ludo Lefebvre, showcasing her creativity and resilience in a televised format.

Her professional journey began in 2005 at Johnson & Wales University in North Miami, Florida, where she began formal culinary training. (Food Media Network) Early in her career, she served as a private chef to top NFL athletes — including players from the Miami Dolphins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and New York Giants — designing performance-minded, flavor-forward menus. (Food Media Network)

In 2008, Nikki launched Bash Wine Café & Catering, a South Florida restaurant that earned regional acclaim. Over the years she has cooked internationally aboard superyachts, held an Executive Chef post at Florida State University, and contributed instruction at institutions like Keiser University. (Food Media Network)

Her line Pro Seasoning is crafted with intention — the flagship “All Purpose” blend combines Himalayan pink salt, black pepper, garlic, and select spices, designed for flexibility across meats, vegetables, eggs, and breads. (Chef Nikki Pettineo) The brand is stocked locally in Tallahassee at specialty retailers like RedEye Coffee, The Black Fig, Orchard Pond Organics, and others. (Chef Nikki Pettineo)

Beyond video content, Nikki also hosts the Nikki Talks Food podcast, where she combines culinary technique with cultural insight, interviews, and lighthearted discussion. (Apple Podcasts)

Tallahassee is now Nikki’s home, where she lives with her wife and their two rescue dogs, Ollie and Quinn. She continues to teach, write, produce content, and grow her seasoning brand — always with an eye toward making professional-level cooking accessible to all.

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