Like many self-proclaimed foodies – I enjoy a good meal…

Only slightly more compelling, while working in San Diego during college, I finagled my way into a role as a professional food critic.  A tricky proposition when I was not legally able to drink…

Originally, my love for food spawned from my parents, both well respected in the kitchen.  They had started a small catering business to help them through their graduate studies, and never stopped refining their craft.  Dad still spends a couple hours a day in the kitchen and is a long-standing member and past-president of the San Diego Wine and Food Society.  He never fails to entertain guests with a multi-course meal, menu and all.  Mom has always been the unsung hero with quite a few specialties of her own, yet not as mindful of the fanfare.

To make it more tangible (and tasty), dishes prepared during my recent visit home:

• Panko-crusted abalone with a mango buerre blanc
• Hand-made butternut squash, sage and amaretto pasta
• Petit Filet Mignon stuffed with fresh basil & garlic
• Apple-butternut squash tom kah gai soup
• Blackberry and anise sorbet

All that being said, admittedly, I am no expert – please feel free to point out any inaccuracies found on my site.  Regardless, I hope this section gives you some ideas and inspires you to try something new or give me suggestions!

Caption note: (Lame pic was both from a time when I had more (and cooler) hair and when I was building my own restaurant review website in San Diego, the others are my parents)