Sarma Melngailis, born in 1975, began her culinary journey at a young age, growing up in a family that valued home-cooked meals and fresh ingredients. She honed her skills in the kitchen, ultimately leading her to pursue a degree in Culinary Arts at the Culinary Institute of America.

After graduating, Melngailis worked under renowned chefs like Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Daniel Boulud, gaining invaluable experience in some of New York City’s most prestigious kitchens. Her dedication and talent caught the attention of critics and diners alike, paving the way for her to open her first restaurant, One If By Land, Two If By Sea, in 2001. This historic restaurant, located in Greenwich Village, quickly became a favorite among locals and tourists, earning Melngailis a reputation as a chef to watch.

Sarma Melngailis’ Current Net Worth (2025)

As of 2025, Sarma Melngailis’ net worth is estimated to be around $5 million. This figure is based on her successful career in the food industry and her various entrepreneurial ventures.

Career

Sarma Melngailis is a renowned chef and entrepreneur, best known for her work at One If By Land, By Sea, a historic restaurant in New York City. She served as the executive chef and co-owner, earning a reputation for her innovative and delicious dishes. Melngailis has also made appearances on various TV shows, including “The Today Show” and “Iron Chef America.”

Other Ventures

In addition to her work in the restaurant industry, Melngailis has ventured into other business endeavors. She is the founder of the plant-based food company, Pure Food Kitchen, which offers a range of organic, non-GMO, and vegan products. She has also authored a cookbook, “Raw Food/Real World,” which features her signature raw, vegan recipes.

Assets

Melngailis’ assets include her stake in Pure Food Kitchen, her real estate properties, and her personal investments. She owns a luxurious apartment in New York City, which she purchased in 2014 for around $2.5 million. Additionally, she has invested in various startup companies, including a plant-based meat company called Good Catch.

Annual Income

As a successful chef and entrepreneur, Sarma Melngailis’ annual income is substantial. Her income comes from her restaurant work, her company Pure Food Kitchen, her cookbook sales, and her investments. While the exact figure varies from year to year, it’s estimated that her annual income is around $1 million.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Sarma Melngailis

Frequently Asked Questions about Sarma Melngailis

1. What is Sarma Melngailis’ net worth?

Sarma Melngailis’ net worth is estimated to be around $1 million.

2. How old is Sarma Melngailis?

Sarma Melngailis was born on August 28, 1975, making her 46 years old.

3. What is Sarma Melngailis’ background?

Sarma Melngailis is a chef, restaurateur, and author. She is known for her raw, vegan cuisine and her involvement in the New York City restaurant scene.

4. What are some of Sarma Melngailis’ restaurants?

Sarma Melngailis has been involved in several restaurants, including One Lucky Duck, Pure Food and Wine, and Little Beet.

5. What is Sarma Melngailis’ cookbook called?

Sarma Melngailis’ cookbook is called “Living Raw: A Book of Life-Changing Recipes”.

6. What happened to Sarma Melngailis and her husband Anthony Strangis?

Sarma Melngailis and her husband Anthony Strangis were arrested in 2017 on charges related to fraud and theft. They were accused of stealing money from investors and customers of their restaurant, One Lucky Duck.

7. What was the outcome of Sarma Melngailis’ legal case?

Sarma Melngailis pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud in 2018. She was sentenced to five months in prison and ordered to pay $1.6 million in restitution.

8. Where is Sarma Melngailis now?

After serving her prison sentence, Sarma Melngailis was released in 2019. She has since been working on rebuilding her career and her reputation.

9. What is Sarma Melngailis’ social media presence like?

Sarma Melngailis has a significant social media following. She has over 100,000 followers on Instagram and uses the platform to share her recipes, cooking tips, and personal updates.

10. What is Sarma Melngailis’ philosophy on food and health?

Sarma Melngailis is a strong advocate for plant-based, raw, and vegan diets. She believes that this type of diet can improve overall health and well-being, and she has used her platform to promote these ideas.