Ex-Mi Luna Chef Launches Cooking School in Downtown Olympia

OLYMPIA, Wash. -- Miriam-Xiomara Padilla, who helmed the kitchen as executive chef at Mi Luna Cuban Cafe, stepped away from the popular spot last month to pursue her passion project: Le Petit School of Cooking. The school will occupy commercial space in The Malt House apartment building on Legion Way Southeast, injecting new life into Olympia's vibrant downtown core near the state Capitol campus. Mi Luna, Olympia's first Cuban restaurant, opened last year and draws crowds with family recipes from its owners.

Padilla conceived the idea for her cooking school about a year ago, envisioning a space where children can spark lifelong interests in the kitchen while adults explore specialized classes. The curriculum features kid-focused sessions alongside adult offerings like picnic and pickling workshops, seasonal private dinners, and group classes. This summer launch comes amid Olympia's growing food scene, where spots like Mi Luna have popularized global flavors in the South Puget Sound region.

A mid-June meet-and-greet will introduce the community to Le Petit, with full details available on the school's website. Padilla's departure from Mi Luna highlights a trend of culinary talents branching out in Washington, fostering more diverse dining and learning options for Thurston County residents. The venture promises to blend hands-on education with Olympia's appetite for authentic, local-driven cuisine.