My dining and entertainment philosophy - I can boil it down to 'the three C's - I like my food like my fashion: casual, classic, and with a touch of couture.

I grew up cooking. I was always in my grandma's cooking, and I never thought of it as a career.

I think kitchen real estate is very valuable, so something has to perform multiple functions for me to give it space in my drawers.

I have always wanted to write a novel, and I tried many times but could never find the right story. One day, I was walking on the beach, and the idea for 'Groundswell' hit me. I went into the house and started writing and never stopped.