A Lifelong Relationship with Food

When I was but a wee child, my grandfather nicknamed me “The Bird.” Isn’t there some saying that a bird can eat ten times its weight? Hmmmm. And so my love of and obsession with food began. No plain baby food for me – blended artichoke hearts at my grandparents in Seattle, crayfish and oysters in Louisiana – to be followed by a lifetime fascination with all things edible and delicious!

– Monica

Favorite Chef

I am constantly inspired by Jacques Pépin and frequently prepare recipes from his many cookbooks. A few of my favorites are "Fast Food My Way," "More Fast Food My Way" and “Heart & Soul in the Kitchen.” Every recipe has been exemplary, and I love the way he adds a menu section to give you ideas of what to serve with what. I hungrily watch every Fast Food My Way episode on Amazon Prime and scan the internet for any videos and TV shows where he's cooking or being interviewed. I particularly love the PBS series, Jacques & Julia Cooking at Home. His autobiography, "The Apprentice: My Life in the Kitchen" is a must read.

With fresh, locally sourced ingredients, easy recipes and classic techniques, anyone can produce Five Star meals at home! Creating such stunning dishes under his tutelage inspired me to start this blog – keeping a record of all the fabulous foods, dinner parties, and wine that I am lucky enough to enjoy with good friends.

Words to Live By

"Julia Child used to say that you have to be happy when you cook for the food to be good, and you also have to be happy in the eating and sharing of the food with family and friends. Otherwise the gastric juices will not do their job and you won't digest the food properly. I agree with her assessment. It is impossible to enjoy food when you're angry and tense."

"When you are at home, even if the chicken is a little burnt, what's the big deal? Relax."

– Jacques Pépin