This ‘seriously unserious’ Fil-Am chef from Philly makes gastronomic experience ‘fun’

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Whoever said fun and food couldn’t be intertwined hasn’t met this dynamic and humorous Filipino American chef channeling her let-loose-and-have-fun energy in her culinary masterpieces she brings to life at Couch Cafe in Philly.

For Chef Liz Grothe, Couch Cafe, the cute secret dinner party is her outlet for her passion — cooking. It’s also a place where she builds connections while whipping up something special. A haven where dinner series takes place and runs like a byob or supper club — all with the glory of great food.

As unconventional as her cooking, Grothe’s culinary fame started from working in industrial safety at a cheesesteak making company to shifting on the kitchen’s four walls as a dishwasher while also taking shifts at Oloroso. 

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Climbing up the success ladder a few notches higher, she is now carving a niche in Philly’s food scene. A story as fascinating as her concocted dishes, from her YouTube-learned culinary skills to her transformative dining experiences — it’s a plot that resonates with every plate she serves. 

Serving up a spoon of nostalgia and a dash of humor

Known as Ol’ Liz in her pop-up ventures, her culinary philosophy is simple: food should be fun. Peppered with pop culture influences and childhood preferences, her dishes will take you on a trip down memory lane.

Her signature style? “Being fearlessly silly,” she said. This blend of playfulness and professionalism has earned her supporters and devoted followers.

Her playful antics gave birth to her unique dishes rooted from Flo Rida-inspired apple butter jus boots with the fur (yes, that’s Flo Rida’s “Low”) to a nostalgic nod to microwaved comfort foods she grew up eating as a Filipino American in Oklahoma to restaurant chains Western Sizzlin’ and Red Lobster.

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“My culinary style is … seriously unserious. I take what I do seriously. As far as being a professional and cooking, showing up to work on time, cleaning my station, making sure that my knives are sharp,” Grothe shares.

Not just your average meals, her collaborative dinner series are also events teeming with the same dynamic energy as her Couch Cafe. Each pop-up, from the Western Sizzlin’ at High Street to Boodle Night at Oloroso are all sell-outs. 

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Her menu is a delightful mix of cultures. Ranging from chicken fried steak with country gravy, mozzarella-stuffed supplì, sweet potato culurgiones and balanzoni (spinach, ricotta and sage) — mostly influenced by her trip to Italy last year. 

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This Fil-Am chef’s journey from a teenager cooking with her mom (who used to refer to Mama Sita’s recipe at the back) to a chef coloring Philly’s food scene is an inspiring story of creativity, passion and a tad of silliness.