Grew up moving alot (Latin America mostly)with a Corporate Dad who loved to cook to unwind, and loved to dine out and entertain with food. He taught me to cook at his elbow. His focus was ethnic and comfort food. Im an adventurer at heart and have lived on an indian reservation in NM, learned their traditions and food culture and moved from there to FL. I have traveled extensively and love to learn the basics of food culture wherever I go. I write a restaurant review column for a regional newspaper. I am extremely creative and have learned how to make something from nothing. CREATING something new using cultural basics is my favorite thing to cook. Soups were a huge part of my family traditions. Lots of family, it served alot. Some favorites were Chef Tells carrot soup, french onion, chicken noodle, oyster stew, always accompanied with a great bread and salad, its still the best!