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Queen City Food Critic
My Story
You're probably expecting to hear about which Culinary School I attended, or what famous chef I've worked with, and learned from. Perhaps you'd expect me to say I've been a sommelier in a Five-Star Restaurant in Chicago, or maybe New York City. If your expectations led you to any of those conclusions, I am very flattered, but you might be disappointed.
I am (and have done exactly) none of those things. But...now that you're about to learn how much you and I have in common, I think you are going to enjoy this ride more than you think!
I might not have a Culinary Arts Degree or be a trained Food Critic, but I do know food. Well, a little. Besides the average love for grub we're born with, I've had a little extra influence and exposure along my journey.
My Love for Cooking
I've got 4 children, ranging in age from 12 to 24. With 4 kids at home, you have to either be rich, or learn how to cook. We weren't rich while the kids were little, but it worked out because I enjoyed making meals for my family, and learning how to cook anyway.
It started with hours and hours of watching all the Food Network shows while I was staying home, after my oldest son Carter was born. That's when I really began to experiment with cooking. I particularly loved the cupcake decorating shows and YouTube channels, and have spent hours and hours perfecting my baking recipes.
My Love for Travel
So, this is where things get a little more sophisticated...but not much. If you read my home page, you know that I have been blessed to have traveled all over the world. One of the reasons I wanted to start QCFC, is because although I have been to all of these beautiful places- and even dined in some of the world's top restaurants, such as The Sunset Monalisa- in Los Cabos, Mexico, some of the best meals I have ever had are right here, in my own town. Springfield, Missouri has a lot to offer a foodie, whether they have a sophisticated palate or not.
Here are all of the different countries I have traveled, and cuisines I have eaten:
Aruba, Bermuda, Brazil, Ecuador, Dominican Republic, Grand Turk in the Caicos Islands, Jamaica, Mexico, Nassau, Panama, St. Kitts, and St. Thomas.
(BTW, the handsome guy pictured next to me in the photo is my groom and my best friend, Jared. We tied the knot in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic in June of 2021.)