is a New Jersey-based chef, culinary personality, and two-time Food Network champion known for bringing elevated, approachable cooking into the heart of the home. A graduate of the New England Culinary Institute, Lauren has over 15 years of professional kitchen experience, including training at the prestigious Boca Raton Resort & Club and working as the only female chef in the kitchen at Picasso in Las Vegas.

Lauren's career as a restaurateur began early. She spent six years as chef-owner of two successful New Jersey restaurants: Chef's Place in New Brunswick, a modern American concept, and Café Café in Newark, a Portuguese-inspired restaurant rooted in her heritage. In 2014, as she transitioned into motherhood, Lauren closed her restaurant doors — but what followed was the next chapter she didn't plan for and that fit her perfectly.

Driven by loyal clientele and word-of-mouth demand, she founded Chef Covas Catering Co., which has since become one of Monmouth County's most sought-after catering and private chef brands. Known for her signature style, elevated yet welcoming, Lauren creates immersive dining experiences that allow hosts to impress their guests while remaining present at their own table.

Lauren gained national recognition after winning Chopped in 2016, followed by another championship win on Supermarket Stakeout in 2019. Her on-screen success helped launch her into the digital space, where she has built a growing audience drawn to her warmth, her heritage-driven recipes, and content centered around intentional hosting and connection.
As a first-generation Portuguese-American, Lauren's culinary voice is deeply rooted in tradition, family, and storytelling. Her work celebrates the beauty of slowing down, setting the table, and creating meaningful moments through food — values that resonate strongly with today's modern home cook.

In 2025, Lauren released her debut cookbook, Little Portugal, published by Page Street Publishing. The book is a heartfelt collection of family recipes, reimagined classics, and personal stories that honor her heritage while making Portuguese cuisine accessible to a broader audience.

Today, Lauren continues to expand her brand through media appearances, live events, brand partnerships, and chef's dinners. Whether she is hosting an intimate dinner, appearing on national television, or creating content for her audience, her mission remains the same: to bring people back to the table, beautifully, effortlessly, and with heart.