gratitude.

it’s a pretty beautiful and mild day in upstate, and i was inspired after leaving an old friend this morning to make one of my favorite around-the-clock treats.

granola. world’s most perfect food.

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recipe for a cold, cold day

Back in upstate New York where we are routinely seeing highs in the low 20s, I find myself gravitating much more towards hot stews, soups, and creamy vegetable dishes than I ever did in California. I have always been a fan of seasonal cooking, but I believe that living in a place that sees such distinctive differences in temperatures throughout the year, my body naturally craves the foods that will keep the chill off my bones.

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homecoming.

It is with mixed emotions that I announce my homecoming to Rochester, New York. What might appear as a sudden move has been a long time coming, as I transition my business back to the place it all began in upstate New York. California is a beautiful, thrilling state to live in, but at the end of the day, it’s the family and friends who make a life filled with love and warmth.

The Bay Area gave birth to Chef k2, and I will forever be grateful for the chefs who taught me, the employers who took a chance on me, and the clients who made me grow. I enjoyed every single opportunity that came my way, and I will forever leave a part of my heart in San Francisco.

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Unexpected pleasure.

Week 4: Over 13 inches tall, up from 5 inches when I brought them home.

I am officially one month into my experiment in gardening- taking a page out of the book my mother writes. I could never understand her delight in digging in the dirt; I only know that some of our best talks occurred while we aimlessly wandered the yard, picking weeds and watering in the summer dusk. I never held an interest until this summer when I planted my tomatoes and now am finding so much joy in a place I was not aware of.

The greatest gift of the garden is the restoration of the five senses.  ~Hanna Rione
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Nobody is dead yet.

herbs, herbs & more herbs
Good news. I have not killed any tomato plants yet. In fact, I have expanded my family. More basil, more cilantro, thyme, chives and another tomato plant. And a big tomato plant that I have nicknamed “Fighting Chance”. I figured for my first time out, it didn’t hurt to take out an insurance policy.
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