About

I am thrilled to live in The East Bay of Northern California, a culinary, cultural carnival. Eating, cooking and learning about the foods of different cultures  opens up small windows into a deeper understanding of others and ultimately ourselves.  Food embodies cultural,  historical, familial and personal meaning and often sheds light on intrinsic cultural values. Naturally, all foods are “ethnic”  depending on one’s point of view.

In the several years I’ve been writing about food and culture in this blog and for magazines and online venues, I’ve realized that I am especially drawn to the stories people tell about food. We are all immigrants – (my own background is Hungarian, Russian and Romanian). And the immigrant experience may be poignantly revealed through a comforting bowl of soup or a plate of symbolic food to celebrate the new year.

As a food writer, I have been privileged to share the tales of immigrants  told through their foodways, discover little-known holidays and witness ancient food rituals. I’ve also challenged myself to ferret out traditional breads that span the globe, authentic ethnic grocery stores, and international breakfast spots that offer a variety of ways to start the day.

I hope this blog can be a center for exploring and sharing all of our culinary cultural heritage and contemporary food ways. I love a quest. Please feel free to drop me a note with a question or area you would like me to explore. Cheers! Skål! Kampai! A Votre Sante!