Inspiring Tomorrow's Home Cooks

Years ago I volunteered as a cooking instructor at Olivewood Gardens in National City, teaching young kids how to cook. So, when I decided to write a story for the San Diego Union-Tribune's food section recently on teaching cooking to children, I turned to Olivewood Gardens for resources and the reasons why parents should encourage their kids to participate in preparing family meals. I got a lot of great tips--and recipes--which I've shared in this new piece, which was published on March 13, 2018. 

A World of Curry Published in San Diego Union-Tribune

This week my story on preparing curries from around the world was published by the San Diego Union-Tribune's food section. I got a chance to share the story of Bruce Jackson and Momoko Jackson of Pacific Beach's World Curry--and share three of Bruce's recipes: Bali Beef, Tikka Masala, and Mussaman. He also offered some insightful tips for getting the most flavor from the ingredients. All of this was captured by Eduardo Contreras' magnificent photos.

Four Awards From San Diego Press Club

Last night's San Diego Press Club Journalism Awards has been on my mind for months now. I was on the organizing committee, tasked with rounding up restaurants for our dinner at the Hall of Champions. I hadn't thought much about actually winning any awards, although I had certainly sent in entries and learned that I'd won something. Getting 20 restaurants settled into their booths and serving our 370 attendees was higher on my list of priorities. So, I was thrilled to learn that I hadn't just won something. I'd won four awards for my food writing. I got two third-place awards: one for a story on the City Heights Farmers Market for Edible San Diego and the other for a piece on jam making for the San Diego Union-Tribune. I received a second place award for another Edible San Diego story--this one on the avocado industry in San Diego County.  And, my plaque for first prize was awarded for a piece on The Sausage King for San Diego Uptown News.

It's been a long time since I'd entered a journalism contest so this was a real thrill. And, the evening went beautifully, with kudos to all the chefs who fed us so well!