About
Anyone can Cook! And they should!!!
15 years as a culinary instructor with Viking Range and Whole Foods Market. I specialize in intimate groups and parties and can teach and cook just about everything. My culinary education is from Western Culinary Institute and Le Cordon Bleu Paris and the Culinary Institute of America in St. Helena
I started as a dinner event Chef in Portland Oregon and moved back to the East coast where I worked in food television and really learned about the social aspect of cooking with friends. For the past ten years I have had my own bodega in Candler Park called The Mercantile We made fresh food daily and were known for our specialty sandwiches and baguettes The Mercantile was recommended by Atlanta Magazine, Creative Loafing and Southern Living
Let me teach you what took me thousands of dollars and hours in the restaurant business in the course of one evening.
Love of travel and meeting new people; training and teaching what I spent years crafting has been a joy.
I love seeing the expression of accomplishment and gratitude on my students and patrons faces as they enjoy what they've learned. Who doesn't like to eat great food?!
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Classes are usually three hours in length. Set up in your home up to two hours before event and clean up afterwards at an hour while you and your guests enjoy the meal you’ve prepared
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
culinary education with over twenty years in the industry. I was the cooking School Director for The Viking Cooking School in Atlanta and full time cooking instructor for Whole Food Market.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$100 per hour plus the cost of food. Dependent upon travel miles; there may be a fuel charge. Three hour minimum.
Chef does not supply knives or extra cutting boards for students at this time.
Cost of food is not included my fee above.
How did you get started teaching?
I took a class to broaden my experience and at the end of class the instructor offered me a job. ha!
What types of students have you worked with?
every age level from 2 to 80. Beginners to advanced to other chefs.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Recently an outdoor grill event for a multi family home. Lots of salads and meats on the grill. Got to hang with the eight to nine year olds teaching them about grilling. They loved it and so did I. Also any evening that ends with brownies is a hit in my book.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Don’t be intimidated and be ready to learn and have fun. We’re not in France...we’re in your home. What could be more comfortable than that?!
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What foods will everyone like and eat; know your guests and your budget.
Be clear with what you can really expect from your friends or family if you are throwing this kind of shindig. Make sure your guests know ahead of time what you’ve signed them up for.