What I believe
I believe the world needs more people passionate about food, wine, and culture. I am on a mission to spread love for food and cooking and guide you to discovering what you like and how to prepare it so you can nourish yourself and those around you. I believe that the moments we spend around food and wine in the company of others should be re-vitalized as those are some of the most memorable experiences.
What I do
I write about food and wine, pouring my passion into recipes, articles, and commentaries on all things food and wine.
I lead individual and group cooking classes where we get real about food, we talk about the importance of eating well, and we cook together.
I lead wine tastings and courses, making topics such wine styles, food pairings, and how to choose wines for any occasion easy to understand. I leave pretension at the door and get real about wine, helping my clients discover what they like and why and giving them advice they can use.
How I got here
I grew up in a culture where families came together around food and wine. We always ate home-cooked food and often that food was also grown in the backyard. I remember the hours spent cooking everything from jams and vegetable spreads to slowly-simmered lamb stews. I might not have appreciated the effort that went into preparing the food, but I did appreciate the aromas and flavors, the excitement when we finally gathered around the dining room table, anticipating another great meal.
I was always interested in language and how it opens up a whole new world of ideas. So, I studied languages. Fortunately for me, studying languages involved travel. And it was during the summers in Italy studying the language that I discovered Italian food, its simplicity and the vibrant energy of its flavors. Every meal, be it a quick pizza or a slowly simmered pasta sauce, created instant flavor memories that are with me to this day.
A summer spent at a cooking school in Florence turned into two summers and a lifelong passion for Italian cooking, the simple combinations of flavorful ingredients that express the essence of those ingredients.
Ever since I first visited Puglia, considered by many to have the best food in Italy (a country with great food all over!), I wanted to help my clients discover its simple but life-changing dishes that feed not only the body but also the soul.
Where to find me
Here. And on Facebook. And in bookstores.
Write to me. I read all emails and respond to those that are specific. I also appreciate feedback when offered in a constructive manner and meant from the heart.
I post news and interesting food and wine info on Facebook, so find me there if you like what I am saying.
And, of course, sign up for a class or come to a book signing if you’d like to meet me in person. If you live far away, write me to inquire about the webinars I do.
Feel free to use any of the information on this site and give me credit for it. If you want to link to my site, please let me know. I will be flattered.