CulinaryOffice & AdminMedia
Polly Talbott
Founder | Polly Talbott's Home Plate
Experience
2025 - 2025
Author
Recipes, Menus and Memories from a Cooking School
2024 - Present
Executive Director
Lynbrook Chamber of CommerceLynbrook, NY
2022 - 2022
Woman of Distinction
NY State AssemblyNew York
2022 - 2024
President
Lynbrook Chamber of CommerceLynbrook, NY
2020 - Present
Founder
Polly Talbott's Home PlateLynbrook, NY
2007 - 2007
Lynbrook Businessperson of the Year
2005 - 2005
Trailblazer of the New Millennium, Nassau County
Nassau County, NY
2004 - 2004
Lynbrook Businessperson of the Year
2004 - 2006
President
Lynbrook Chamber of CommerceLynbrook, NY
1999 - 2020
Founder & Director
A la Carte Culinary Services & Cooking School Lynbrook, NY
1999 - Present
Host
Lynbrook TVLynbrook, NY
1978 - Present
Food Stylist & Culinary Consultant
Various print, TV, and digital mediaNew York Tri-State Area
1975 - 1978
Senior Home Economist
Borden, Inc.Columbus, OH
Education
1999
Certified Culinary Professional (CCP)
Bachelor's Degree, Home Economics (Food & Nutrition)
Otterbein CollegeWesterville, OH
Advice from Polly Talbott
Quotes about career path, skills, and teamwork from an industry leader.
I've learned so many lessons through my career.
My favorite is not to let my limitations overshadow my talents (I got that from a fortune cookie!).
Nike also had it right with “Just Do It!” That kind of relates to “any decision is better than no decision.” It’s so easy to stress yourself out of moving forward.
A mentor once told me “Inch by inch, everything’s a cinch.” It sounds almost silly, but I have “Today’s Inch” taped to my computer.
It helps me to constantly move forward.
I only like to work with good people.
When I hired chefs for my school, I always looked for their training, of course, and whether they were a nice person. If they hadn’t ever taught cooking classes, that wasn’t a problem for me because I felt I could teach them to teach—but you really can’t teach a person to be nice.
I find inspiration in meditation and prayer.
It also helps with burnout. I also do yoga and walk regularly and ride my bike, but I think meditation is critical to enjoying life.
For pleasure, I read fiction novels—it takes you into another world.
I keep up with the news, but that’s usually not so pleasurable. For business, I like to read The Wall Street Journal and The Times.
My team has gotten smaller, but I think that by supporting them in their own lives, it creates a more joyful working environment.
Also, remaining positive and happy myself, I feel, creates a smoother working situation. I’m creating a new team with Home Plate, so I’m excited to see if I can keep them inspired.
My second stint as president of the Chamber of Commerce was great for pushing me to create Home Plate.
I learned how important mentoring the next generations is.
I got into this industry a very long time ago when I was forced to declare a major in college.
As digital photography first came about, food styling was less “fun.” I had wanted to open a school for so long...
I just finally woke up one day and did it! I still occasionally do food styling and enjoy it, but it’s different.
Having organizational skills, problem solving abilities and the ability to work as a team member are great skills to have in any industry.
My desire to mentor others by sharing what I’ve learned keeps me going.
Opening the school and teaching large classes was one thing I couldn't have done alone.
Over the years, I had so many wonderful chefs and office people I couldn’t have lived without. Teamwork is not overrated!
Treat your team with respect.
After I closed my school during COVID, I started teaching from my home—and it has been fantastic!
No pressure, no overhead, and no smelly grease traps.
Roles in Culinary
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