KATRINA MARKOFF

Owner/Founder Vosges Haut-Chocolat

Katrina Markoff is a daring soul. An Indiana native with Macedonian roots, she’s a rare combination of artist and entrepreneur who’s able to take unlikely ingredients and turn them into gold.

Owner and creative force behind Vosges Haut-Chocolat, Markoff is a 1995 graduate of Vanderbilt University with degrees in Psychology and Chemistry. Three days following graduation Markoff left to pursue her dream of culinary arts in Paris. She studied for one year at Le Cordon Bleu and graduated with Le Grand Diplome in Cuisine and Pastry as well as degrees in Basic and Advanced Oenology.

From Paris, Markoff embarked on an 8 month tour around the world studying food. She worked from place to place, studying the indigenous cuisines of France, Spain, Italy, Thailand, Korea, Vietnam, Singapore, China, Australia and Hawaii.

She apprenticed at restaurants including the Hotel Crillon in Paris, France, El Bulli in Rosas, Spain, as well as Arzak, and Martin Berasategui both located in San Sebastian, Spain. She graduated from The Thai Cooking School at the Oriental Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand, and Chiva Som School in Hua Hin, Thailand. During her travels through Asia she was inspired by the local spice and food markets.

Based on these international experiences, she developed the concept of 'exotic truffles.' Fusing a gamut of indigenous spices, flowers, roots, herbs and liqueurs with premium chocolate, she created a unique tasting experience with each truffle.

Markoff is responsible for all culinary operations at Vosges Haut-Chocolat including research and development. Markoff creates the unique marketing pieces and creatively seeks partnership opportunities for the ever-evolving company.