Taking a technical approach to enriching the everyday moments that happen in your home.

Method

Learning new recipes does not necessarily teach you how to cook. It just teaches you how to make that one recipe. It's all about learning why you are doing each step that gives you true freedom. Understanding the science of the method allows you to confidently approach new product, understand what a dish might need, and get creative with the application!

Technique

The art of cooking is just that, an art. Something that must be practiced and perfected over time. By understanding the science, we are able to apply the right method to our meal preparation, but it is in the technique that we truly become masters. Practicing technique builds comprehension and ability to create delicious food time and time again.

Application

The next step in elevating your art is to create an experience around it. By creating the mood and feel, you are able to guide the recipient through delightful new experiences. Whether it is a meal for two or a large gathering of friends and family, details like the music, tablescape, meal & cocktails, will guide your guest through the experience.

Strategy + Approach

Planning, Timelines, & Prep

Entertaining is never as simple as we first imagine it will be. There are layers upon layers of planning and preparation to consider. For example, most of us have had the experience of walking into a beautiful restaurant, soaking in the atmosphere (created both visually and musically), enjoying carefully crafted food and beverages, and being doted on by gracious servers. There is a lot of expertise and manpower behind each element of our experience. Truth be told, more resources than we are likely to posses in our own home. However we can derive some helpful tips from these professionals to elevate the experience of our own gatherings.

Tastings + Pairings

Liquid Atmosphere

Alcohol is a useful icebreaker to any social gathering. On one hand it is something that can relax your guests and put them in a more social spirit, and on another hand it can be a beautiful detail that turns into an icebreaker conversation for guests. For this reason I like to put some thought into a welcome drink for guests. Maybe something that represents the guest of honor, or something that is clever and surprising, or even some old standards that are just done very well. In any case, making your guests feel welcome as soon as they walk through the door is an important way to set the tone for the rest of the evening.

Cactus, Watermelon, and Grapefruit Margaritas in the garden

At home garden and feral life.

Another World

Gardening is not only a great way to incorporate your own fresh ingredients, but is a fascinating and enriching experience. Digging into the earth, planting seeds, seeing new tiny creatures and ecosystems thriving just beneath the surface. It is like a passport into another world that you hardly knew existed.

It truly helps you to connect with the food you eat and control the freshness of some of your most commonly used ingredients.

Squash & Okra plants (blurry cat in the background)