We’re sure even folks from far away as Cindy’s hometown of Minneapolis, Minnesota know her name for being synonymous with culinary expertise. How many chefs have a resume that starts at the age of thirteen?

That’s right; Cindy Pawlcyn worked at a local cooking school and equipment supply store when most kids were beginning the dreaded teen years. She continued her love for the industry through high school where she ran a catering business. From there, her accomplishments continued to grow. She attended the University of Wisconsin and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Restaurant Management. She then went on to study abroad at the famed Cordon Blue and La Varenne in Paris.

Cindy moved to California in 1980 to cook at Macarthur Park and was then recruited by Meadowood Resort as their opening chef. She continued the climb up the culinary ladder and opened the renowned Yountville gem, Mustard’s in 1983. She was also involved in the opening of Rio Grill, Fog City Diner, Bix Restaurant (San Francisco), Roti, Buckeye Roadhouse and Tra Vigne. Cindy’s most recent endeavor is the rustic and cozy Cindy’s Backstreet Kitchen in St. Helena that she runs with partner and Executive Chef Pablo Jacinto. To quote Pawlcyn, Cindy’s Backstreet Kitchen is “a local joint – hip, casual, not fussy. The food we serve is from our hearts, what we make at home and most like to cook.”