Who am I?

When I was little girl I would spent hours in front of the TV every afternoon watching a show called: Great Chef's and Great Chef's of the World.  This was in the mid 80's.  I was fascinated by Executive Chef's from the best hotels and restaurants from around the World show their talents with fresh ingredients.  Simply showing technique, terms that I learned with time hearing them over and over again, and yet at the end a beautiful plate was presented that I could only dream to taste. The funny thing was at the end of the show I swore I could taste it in my mouth.


You have to understand... Food Network was nowhere to be found those days.  Anthony Bourdain was probably partying his butt off in New York.. doing naughty things after hours.  Great Chef's of the world was different.  It took viewers out of the television studio and into the working restaurant kitchens of the world's greatest chefs. The Great Chefs themselves were selected through a system of nomination by other Great Chefs, assuring that they are among the best-of-the-best in the world.  I dreamed with the day to be one of them but in my own kitchen.  I noticed it was a man's world at the time... even though I did get to watch Julia Child in action... my family never approved on the idea.  At the time that was not a career to follow.  Today, it is a multi-billion dollar industry, with "Food Superstars".  Who would have thought back then.  I might have done it anyway if I new I had a chance.


Even my son which was two and half years old when Ratatouille the movie came out decided he wanted to be a chef when he grows up.  Today he is six and loves to sit in the kitchen with me watching me cook.  I am no Executive Chef but when I get inspired it is fun to be able to taste a dish in your mouth without even have had the opportunity to cook it.  It is interesting how your brain works, remembering experiences, tastes, flavors, and moments.  I am able to take these experiences, and interpret them in the kitchen.  That is my passion and that is why I am writing this blog.


I like to share with you my culinary experiences from now on.  Even though I live in a island called Puerto Rico,  we have amazing culinary experiences here.  From local mom and pop shops, to over priced dinning.  We have it all!  Since the early 90's when Paula Paley had Pomiane, and the first Gourmet Shop opened in this island.  Chef Alfredo Ayala had Chayote, and Condado became the meca of fusion cuisine... I was there when it all started.  The boom of  taste and special ingredients.  Puerto Rico wanted it and we had bright talent bringing it to the crowd.  My goal is to share with you the good, the bad and the ugly.  


Let the fun start! 


Stephanie K.