'GMA' Backstage Pass: Chef Karen Pickus

Feb. 20, 2009 — -- Karen Pickus is "Good Morning America's" chef and food stylist. For the past 15 years, Pickus has been responsible for all of the cooking and food-related segments on "GMA."

Pickus began her culinary career in New York City, the home of some of the most amazing and exquisite food and culinary establishments in the world. She started out at the luxurious Parker Meridian Hotel, where she worked at various food preparation stations in the restaurant.

When Pickus started out in the business, she was the only woman in the kitchen. Being the only woman in a then male-dominated business led to many challenges, as well as opportunities, for experienced mentors and acclaimed chefs to teach Pickus what they knew.

After spending time in various high-end restaurants, including the famed Rainbow Room, Pickus spent about 18 months at La Tulipe Restaurant, where she met chef Sara Moulton.

Moulton, who is known to many for her Food Network programs and line of cookbooks and regular "GMA" appearances, actually began her culinary career as the chef and food stylist for the irreplaceable Julia Child. Pickus began working with Moulton and Child at "Good Morning America," and when Moulton left "GMA" to pursue other opportunities full-time, Pickus was hired as the new "GMA" chef and food stylist.

In addition to food styling at "GMA," Pickus has been a food stylist at The Food Network. And with her background and undergraduate degree in art, cooking and food styling went hand in hand

So every morning when you see Emeril Lagasse, Wolfgang Puck and famous chefs from around the world on "GMA," Pickus is the one helping to make it all happen.

From testing recipes to shopping for ingredients -- even to the set up and the theme and look of the table in the studio -- Pickus works with the chef of the day to make sure his or her recipe is executed perfectly.

She also makes sure that all the staff and crew of "GMA" eat very well.