Culinary Arts

The Sensory Narrative

I approach the culinary arts not merely as sustenance, but as an ephemeral medium of storytelling. My background as a chef, restaurant reviewer, and cookbook author informs a philosophy where texture and flavor profile are treated with the same rigorous attention to detail as a stanza of poetry or a shutter speed.

A dish is a composition; it requires balance, a focal point, and a narrative flow. Whether reviewing a fine dining establishment or developing a recipe for my cookbook, I aim to evoke memory and comfort through a deliberate layering of sensory inputs. Here, you will find my explorations in flavor, my published culinary writings, and the stories behind the plates.

This Is Delicious - Blog

Explore the complete recipe journal—50+ dishes with stories, techniques, and the development process behind each creation.

View Recipe Blog

This Is Delicious! What Is It?

An Eclectic Collection of International Comfort Foods

Drawing from my background as a restaurant reviewer and chef, this cookbook is a curated tour of global flavors designed for the home kitchen. It bridges the gap between the exotic and the familiar, proving that 'comfort food' is a language spoken in every culture.

Inside, you will find recipes that prioritize bold flavor profiles and tactile joy—inviting you to not just eat, but to experience the stories behind the dishes.

Purchase on Amazon

On Air: A Seasoned Friendship

Food is best experienced when shared. In our monthly podcast, A Seasoned Friendship, I join co-host Lori Bregenzer to discuss the culinary world through the lens of camaraderie and experience.

Each month, we explore new themes, ingredients, and the stories that define our relationship with the kitchen. It is a candid conversation about the ingredients that bring us together—both on the plate and in life.

Culinary Journalism & Reviews

My work as a food critic and columnist is rooted in the belief that dining is a theatrical experience. As a writer for Lavender Magazine, I chronicled the evolution of the local food scene, looking beyond the menu to critique atmosphere, service, and the integrity of the kitchen.

Below is a selection of my columns and reviews, ranging from hidden neighborhood gems to high-concept fine dining.

Selected Columns: Lavender Magazine (Mpls./St. Paul, MN)

  • Mexican Food Fast, Fresh and With a Conscience: Baja Tortilla Grill – October 10, 1997
  • W. A. Frost: From Start To Finish, A Perfect Dining Experience – June 6, 1997
  • Taxxi, Kieran's, Brit's: Forget Winter with these Summer Outdoor Dining Options – June 20, 1997
  • Mud Pie Offers Variety But Lacks Consistency – May 23, 1997
  • A Slice of Greece in South Minneapolis: Myconos – May 9, 1997
  • May Day Cafe Breaks from the Predictable – April 25, 1997
  • Sweet Outweighs Sour When Dining at Lotus Victoria – April 11, 1997
  • Home-Cooked Food & Attitude: Ruby's Cafe – March 28, 1997

Selected Columns: OutFront Colorado

  • Archived columns available upon request.