After moving to Chicago at the end of college, I was hired as the head reservationist at an incredible restaurant. Tasting the chef’s food and watching the machinations of service from behind the scenes, the world of hospitality and dining was cracked wide open for me. In the ensuing years, I’ve managed restaurants from Trattorias to Japonais-French fusion, from Oklahoma to Los Angeles, picking up a passion for dining and service along the way.

Where the Sidework Ends is my exploration of food, wine, and hospitality from that same vantage point; behind the curtain where the magic is cooked up…

Look for my memoir– Bastards-- coming to a book store near you in March of 2013, courtesy of Norton!

My favorite flavor is Bittersweet Chocolate & Salt. The tool I cannot live without is my Red Kitchen-aid Stand Mixer. I should try to wear an apron more often. I love lingering in libraries and farmers’ markets, and my favorite cookbook is Thomas Keller’s Ad Hoc at Home.