I grew up in a large family.  My best memories are all related to family and friends laughing and telling stories. Great food was always involved.  When I watch our team work so passionately to bring every detail together, whether for  a corporate group or a private party, it makes me feel like I am part of something bigger than just cooking great food.  While I am often in the kitchen pitching in, whether it's cooking or doing dishes, my main focus is our facility and all of the things that allow our clients to walk in and feel it looks fresh and inviting, just like I would, if they came to my house.

Gathering is an integral part of my life.  I can't remember a point in my journey when I wasn't looking forward to the next family or church event and quickly realized I loved to help with all of the details.  It's really a true gift to be able to make people feel like their details and their event, whether small or large, is important enough to garner my love of hospitality and help them to feel good.  I love getting to know our clients on a level that often feels like we are old friends by the time their event comes to pass.  We have so many that return and it's like they are at home with me and I, with them.  I never rest, and at home with my husband and three almost teenage daughters, we are always coming up with a fun event for their friends, or sometimes just for us.

The first dish I ever made, was Chicken Piccata.  I was nine.  I have had the unique experience of always being encouraged to experiment with ingredients, and create recipes.  Understanding the chemistry and science of food, and cooking in general, instilled the fundamentals and removed the fear of obstacles. To me, recipes and ingredients read more like a puzzle.  The complexity of ingredients and techniques melding together into different flavor profiles allows me to really get into the zone for a winning dish.  I love great food and being a part of adding to many family recipes helps to ensure our family legacy of cooking stays alive.

When I got married in 2023, I really came to understand the stress of every part of planning and executing a wedding for a truly perfect day.  I love to be a part of the private wedding tastings we do for our contracted brides and grooms, and their families.  Listening to what details mean the most to them and being able to adjust recipes or create dishes that check their personal box for their reception gives me great joy.  I meticulously take notes so the day of their wedding, I know what they expect and it's so important to me that they truly have a great day.  I love watching all of their details come together and it makes me feel so good to be  part of such an important milestone in their lives.

I didn't grow up in a large family of gatherers and when I arrived at 29 Cooks as a part time dishwasher in high school, I was terrified.  The level of detail was so new and foreign to me, it felt safe to stay by the sinks and quickly learn to make sure I was the best dishwasher ever.   I watched and learned and made mistakes but found my voice.  No one was more surprised than me when I realized that I had the palate of a true chef.  I LOVE the details.  I love the order of putting ingredients on my table and adding a pinch of this or that to balance flavors and make them pop.  Knowing that I have made someones party that much more appealing fills my cup.  Being a part of  the world of serving others is now such a part of me. What could be better than making something to make someone's else's day more awesome?  

Looking for an opportunity to be a part of our team?  We are always looking for people to do various jobs, from dishes, to simple prep, to banquet serving.  Email us at 29cooks@gmail.com if you would like to be considered to be part of our on call list!