Patrons of Candle Cafe, in New York City, know Joy Pierson as the warm, engaging and energetic restaurateur who has infused the upper east side dining scene with healthful and palate pleasing vegetarian cuisine.
Less known about Joy Pierson is that her delectable and creative dishes are the result of 15 years of experience as a nutritional counselor, and her tireless search world wide for the latest gastronomic innovations that make her vegetarian dishes appealing to committed vegetarians and dedicated carnivores alike.

Joy has written and lectured extensively about food and nutrition, sharing her expertise and passion with an ever-expanding audience of individuals committed to experiencing the positive effects of healthful eating. She has collaborated with numerous authors in promoting their cookbooks through workshops at Barnes & Noble Booksellers on Fifth Avenue.

Piersonís expertise has been sought out not only by individuals, but also by health-oriented corporations like Cadbury Beverages, where Pierson has worked as a consultant. She coordinates special events for various corporate clients, at The Candle Cafe and New Yorkís upscale Equinox Spa and Fitness Centers, as well as other venues. Her ongoing workshops and courses on diet and nutrition are endorsed by hospitals and the medical community. Most recently, she has lectured at New York Hospital, Lenox Hill Hospital, the Learning Annex & Seminar Center, and New York Wellness Centers.

Piersonís insights into good nutrition have been published in Self Magazine, Good Housekeeping, American Health and Health magazines and in The New York Post and For Your Health newspapers. She has appeared on Good Day New York and News This Morning as well as cable programs like What It Takes, Bachelor Gourmet and Lifetime Cable's Home Show. She has been featured on the TV Food Network's TV Food Diners. Candle Cafe devotees Howard Stern and Robin Quivers have made Joy a frequent guest on the Howard Stern Show. More likely to attack than to endorse, Howard Stern has heaped praise upon the Candle Cafe and its incredible food. Joy has also commented about Nutrition and Health on National Public Radioís On Walden's Pond with Sheldon Walden.

Ms. Pierson is a Magna cum Laude graduate of Tufts University where she studied psychology and nutrition. She has pursued advanced nutritional training at Hunter College in New York City, Pritikin Longevity Center and The Natural Gourmet Cookery School. She is a member of the National Association of Female Executives, Chefs Collaborative 2000 and is included in the World's Who's Who of Women. She was nominated as one of The 2000 Notable American Women by the American Biographical Institution.