I was raised in Southern California and have always loved the sweeter things in life. My childhood memories are filled with adventures in raspberry bushes, climbing fig and kumquat trees for the sweet succulent fruits dripping with nectar. Making preserves, pies, breads and cookies in my great aunt and grandmothers kitchens. To be in love with the smells, textures, flavors and nuances of a fruit or vegetable in season...That is a love that I hold close to my heart to this day.
Over the years, I have traveled, shared and explored the regions of my imagination to help create inspired, delicious creations. I have worked primarily in fine-dining restaurants with renowned chefs such as Claudia Fleming, Marcus Samuelsson, Barbara Lynch and Christine Ferber in San Francisco, New York, Boston and France. My desserts and cuisine are inspired by the communities, cultures and stories that surround me.  My culinary atmosphere is a constant adventure and evolution...


I am currently teaching at The Chef's Studio in Portland, Oregon with the amazing and visionary chef/owner, Robert Reynolds. And will be joining the students in France this November. Tim Healea at Little T bakery and I are collaborating together for future treats and a special holiday menu for 2010. His bread is ethereal and little bakeshop oozes with delicious creations that transport you to another place and time. 


The latest excitement in my "atmosphere"  that I am thrilled to share, is that I am competing in The First International Star Chefs Pastry Competition September 20-22, 2010 in New York.  More to come...