I have loved good food and going to restaurants since I was a child. Food has alway been the central gathering point in my family. I am now married to a great man, have two adorable sons (and own a dog who thinks he is a human). We are busy people, so it gets tiresome to cook every night so we tend to order in or go out as much (or more) as we cook these days. My husband is the the best cook in our family. He has been cooking since he was 8 and can know how a recipe is going to turn out simply by the smell of it as it's cooking. He doesn't taste it until it's done and on the table, vs. me who taste tests my way through a recipe. I have no patience! I have to admit we adore eating out. Sushi, Thai, Fresh/Healthy Mexican are amoung our regular cravings. When choosing ethnic restaurants we always go where the patrons are speaking that particular country's language. That is the best sign a place is truly autentic and uses fresh ingredients. Meals and cuisine's I can't easily get in Seattle: Israeli, Turkish, and comfort food like GOOD Matzoh Ball soup. Although I am completely American, my background is Turkish and Israeli. I grew up with an amazing array of foods that are not typical in most american households- boreks filled with melted feta chese, fresh sheppard salads in olive oil and lemon jiuce, all kinds of olives, cheeses, hummus- and that was just breakfast. Fresh vegetables, fruits and herbs have always been a staple in my family. Growing up we used to laugh that we stocked more produce in the house than the supermarket (and we could use it all before it spoiled as well). And growing up as a New Yorker, each weekend started with bagel, lox, fresh cream cheese, and strong coffee. I recently made an incredible Italian chicken scarapiello. It tasted just like the recipe at a famous NYC Italian restaurant. I was amazed that I could create that flavor in my own home! No tragedies per se. More of what I would call bad cooking habits, such as tasting a recipe each time I add the next ingredient so by the time the meal is done I am no longer hungry, or over-buyng groceries when I am hungry and then not using them.