Food or Fate?

I’m not sure when I tasted my first life changing meal as a child. However, what I do know is that when the barrier between puréed baby mush and real solid food was broken the world opened up. The Hallee herstory books unveiled a new uncharted life-long chapter.

As long as I can recall food has been the only medium that I’ve seen connect people with just one bite. It is more than a meal to many people. It is culture, community, and a sense of connectedness that transcends across space and time.

In times of great joy and extreme sorrow food is the common denominator, creating community amongst us. It's used to mend broken hearts, amplify good spirits, can serve as a peace offering or welcoming gift, and as an expression of love and care. Food nourishes soul, mind and body beyond the basic needs of we have to eat to live. It does so much more than simply keep us alive, it keeps us connected.

The earliest memories I have of food forging community is the countless year round cookouts that were hosted at my childhood home. The entire house buzzed with life, laughter and smells of culinary greatness. The kitchen table has seen friends turn into family with their own families, young girls grow into fierce women, and has seated plenty of children at the kiddie table. These times overflowed with joy and love, and there was the promise of an exceptionally crafted heartfelt meal in the center of it all, what really brought us together.

Good cuisine comes from cooking from the heart, it is rooted in tradition with the flare of innovation and creativity. My father is easily one the greatest chefs I know and has been my culinary mentor throughout the journey. He is the perfect combination of tradition, innovation, and creativity. Similar to his start in the kitchen, I learned to love the deeper connection and meaning behind cooking good food through helping and closely watching an elder in the kitchen. My sister and I grew up cutting board by cutting board following our father's careful instruction in the kitchen, learning recipes and quickly testing out some of our own.

For a foodie like me being from a city ranked No. 29 on the Best Food Cities in America list is a blessing. Louisville is crawling with great fine dining restaurants, cultural flavor power houses, and traditional southern soul food delights. My parents introduced to me to a diverse range of cuisines from a young age. My palate quickly expanded as did my desire to learn about the food around me and how I can use it to create my story.

Best Food Cities In America

As a recent college graduate and Jersey City transplant, my new stomping ground has vastly expanded. Jersey City is said to be New Jersey's leading food city. With a wide variety of American and global eateries Jersey City has a food scene worth exploring. Plus having New York City at my finger tips is a blessing in itself. Known to be a food mecca, NYC essentially has amazing cuisine around every corner. But of course food's influence extends beyond boarders. Together we will explore and unearth exquisite eats across America and around the world.

Embark on this journey with me and uncover exquisite cuisine one kitchen at a time experiencing great known and unknown eateries along the way! You'll be sure to discover a dish or new dining spot and learn a little more about the cultures around you, just pull up a chair.