Andrea Carlson is a Vancouver-based Chef and restaurateur who is known for her practice of a 100 mile diet and incorporation of local, organic ingredients. Born in Toronto, Carlson grew up in a household with two working parents. As a result, she was often left to fend for herself to create meals. Carlson purchased a New York Times cookbook at the age of 13, and was immediately interested in pursuing a career in the culinary arts. She attended the Dubrulle Culinary Arts School (now the Art Institute of Vancouver).