WHO I AM

I was born quite unexpectedly in Lima, Peru after my mother ate too much at my aunt's pachamanca, which is like a luau but with guinea pigs, tamales, fava beans, and potatoes. The lore goes that the Andean feast that triggered my birth sparked my lifelong love affair with culture and cuisine.  I wanted out so that I could experience for myself all the flavors and culinary traditions that the world has to offer.

I began food writing at the age of 11 for my middle school newspaper and continued as the dining columnist for The Beacon at Florida International University, where I received a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology and Anthropology in 2007.  I continued writing about food in South Florida, specializing in Miami’s fine dining scene but never detouring from my real passion of highlighting small, local food businesses specializing in traditional, international cuisines.

In 2016 I received my Master's Degree in Liberal Arts in Gastronomy at Boston University and a Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Tourism Development. 

I continued writing about food for newsprint, websites, and books.  I have also been a product development consultant, restaurant consultant, personal chef, food stylist, culinary tourism developer, and cooking instructor. I have also traveled the US giving lectures and presentations on food and culture, and I had my own food business, which got featured on national television.

For a comprehensive view of who I am professionally, check out my LinkedIn profile.