BIOGRAPHY & ARCHIVE
The Journey of Chef Andrea Drummer
A career constructed on French technique, Southern soul, cultural perspective, and pioneering leadership in modern American hospitality.
CULINARY PHILOSOPHY
“Technique provides the foundation. Flavor tells the story.”
Whether curating fine dining at the Ritz-Carlton or designing the menu for the nation's first legal cannabis cafe, Andrea's approach remains rooted in French technique, sensory harmony, and welcoming hospitality.
CHRONOLOGICAL CHAPTERS
Verified Career Record
Before the Kitchen & Fort Lauderdale Roots
Raised in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in a conservative religious household, Andrea originally pursued a career in youth and non-profit advocacy. Her early work as a counselor established her deep empathy, cultural awareness, and dedication to community.
Le Cordon Bleu, Pasadena
Seeking a meaningful second career driven by genuine passion, Andrea enrolled at Le Cordon Bleu in Pasadena, California. Here she mastered foundational classical French culinary techniques, precision saucier methods, and kitchen management that anchor her culinary identity.
Los Angeles Fine Dining Kitchens
Andrea refined her skills in demanding Los Angeles hospitality environments, including the Ritz-Carlton Los Angeles, Thomas Keller culinary operations, and cooking under acclaimed Chef Neal Fraser at Redbird and Vibiana. Her work fused classical French discipline with Southern warmth and fresh California ingredients.
Elevation VIP Cooperative & Private Dining
In 2012, Chef Drummer established Elevation VIP Cooperative, pioneering intimate fine-dining events with sophisticated food-and-terpene pairings. Her private dinners for high-profile clients brought elevated standards to infused cuisine long before mainstream legalization.
Authoring 'Cannabis Cuisine'
In 2017, Mango Media published Andrea's landmark book, 'Cannabis Cuisine: Bud Pairings of a Born Again Chef.' Hailed by Nation's Restaurant News and major culinary press, it demystified dosing, flavor profiles, and culinary pairings.
Co-Owner & Executive Chef, Original Cannabis Cafe
Chef Drummer spent over three years lobbying municipal leaders in West Hollywood to secure the nation's first-ever license for a legal cannabis restaurant. Opening originally as Lowell Cafe in October 2019 and later rebranding as the Original Cannabis Cafe, she served as Executive Chef and Co-Owner, making international headline history.
Willie & Annie Nelson's Cannabis Cookbook
In 2024, Andrea co-authored 'Willie & Annie Nelson’s Cannabis Cookbook,' contributing recipes, culinary narrative, and 100% of the food photography, solidifying her status as a primary authority in American culinary literature.
Experiential Hospitality & Media
Today, Chef Andrea Drummer focuses on experiential dining consultancies, media productions (including hosting Spotify's Breaking Bread), culinary storytelling, and strategic hospitality ventures.
Collaborate with Chef Andrea
For consulting, culinary media, private dining events, and speaking engagements.
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