Spectra, the provider of Venue Management to the Owensboro Convention Center, has its first female top chef.  Michelle Pessia is now the Executive Chef for food services and hospitality for the venue.  She will be the first woman to lead the team since the venue opened in 2014.
 
A 2011 graduate from the Culinary Program at OCTC, she began her career with Spectra as the Kitchen Supervisor in 2017. She quickly showcased her skills as a saucier and pastry chef and was promoted to Sous Chef in 2019.
 
Her experience and creativity for elevating food beyond what is considered to be typical convention center food has been highlighted at the venue’s signature five course Cork and Cuisine dinners. WBKR’s Chad Benefield, who has been guest emceeing the events, stated, “Michelle is always pushing the envelope and coming up with dishes that you can’t really experience anywhere else in Owensboro.  She’s pretty fearless in the kitchen.  And, I still stand by this…If I could legally marry that bowl of maple soup I had recently, I would be on paternity leave raising a maple child.”
 
“Michelle has worked hard for this opportunity, and I am proud she has chosen to elevate her career and expand her skills at the Owensboro Convention Center,” said Spectra’s Director of Food and Beverage, Mark Pruett.  “She truly deserves this, and I look forward to seeing her growth in this exciting new role.”
 
“I am truly honored and excited to take on this role at the Owensboro Convention Center,” said Executive Chef, Michelle Pessia. “From an early age, I learned to cook from my mother and grandmothers for Sunday dinners and holidays.  This led me to pursue a culinary career.”  When asked what one of her favorite items to make on the menu is, she said, “One of the many things I love to make are my made from scratch soups that are featured at the Kentucky Legend Café.”
 
Ready for a taste?  The Kentucky Legend Café is open Monday – Friday from 10am-2pm, and the next Cork & Cuisine is set for Thursday, July 29 or plan your next meeting, banquet, or wedding reception and enjoy in-house catering by Michelle and our culinary team.  Choose from healthy and diet-restricted dishes to comfort foods and decadent desserts.
 
For more information about booking an event at the Owensboro Convention Center, the Kentucky Legend Café, and Cork & Cuisine, A Taste of the Olympics, please visit OwensboroCenter.com.