So many people ask me how I can be healthy, fit, and have such an incredible passion for food. My vision of food is absolutely simple. Eat well, drink wonderful wines, and stay healthy. In my life, I have been able to find the balance.

For me, one of the ways to maintain this balance is by sharing my enthusiasm for food with the people in my life. Food is a gift, and there is nothing better than a marvelous meal shared with top notch company. Whether we are cooking together in the kitchen or sharing the stories and happenings of our lives over the home-made meal, nothing could be better for body and soul.

When I look around and see what the average person is eating, I feel like they are missing out on the wonders of wholesome, carefully prepared food. Fast food establishments, fad diets, and urban myths about food have hurt our bodies and pulled our focus away from what food really is. Food is a splendid thing. It nourishes our bodies, tantalizes our senses, stirs the imagination and enriches the time spent with loved ones.

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I have a very simple philosophy: “Savor your life. Live it richly, but always in good health.” As a professional in the food industry, I practice that philosophy everyday in my private as well as in my professional life. Natural, healthy, well-prepared food is crucial to living a rich, fulfilled life. Nothing brings me more satisfaction than providing my clients with food that nourishes their bodies, as well as their appetites!

There is beauty in the art of cuisine. With the increased media interest in food, there is now a heightened appreciation of the visual art of food styling and photography. I’ve noticed a huge increase in food writing and exciting new literary publications about professionals in the food business, popping up everywhere.

Years ago when I created SkinnyChef.com I wanted to share in the excitement and communicate my fascination with food to friends and family. It has led me to become a multi-faceted cook, beyond the boundaries of the mechanics of cooking on to food styling, writing, photography and design.

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Many people, friends and visitors alike, have asked who is writing all the content on SkinnyChef.com? As I giggle at the thought of a workshop filled with tiny hands typing away, sadly there is only one author! How do I find the time, you ask? Stolen moments on buses, trains and cafés. I am always on the hunt for new topics and people to write about so if you have ideas or suggestions, submit them here, I am happy to incorporate your contributions into my upcoming articles.

The Sisterhood of the Sari

On my latest journey to India, I spent a wonderful week in the largest Ashram in Rishikesh. “Hundreds of people come to this site, in search of spiritual awakening, healing, yoga, and a little peace of mind. They go daily to the Ganges to make their offerings and that night, I too would go to the banks of the river. Like the others, I would light an offering, a small cup of spices, herbs and marigold petals glowing with delicious odors. Releasing my lighted offering into the waters, it would float down the river, undulating on a gentle current. I would watch it carry away my thoughts of home and wishes for the people in my life as it disappeared into the blue blackness of the infinite night.” Read more…

In the Hands of Hospitality

Join me and Franco Serafin, dedicated manager of Blue Hill Restaurant, as we discuss the finer points of restaurant management in my latest feature article “In the Hands of Hospitality. “If people in the restaurant have a bad time, well that’s a direct reflection on me as the manager” Franco said. Read more.

A Warm Cup of Colombian Cheer

Meet Valentina Soto-Pinto, inspired coffee lover and owner of Mola Café. In my latest interview she shares her views on Colombian coffee culture, being a small business owner in the food industry, and how she found a career doing what she loves. Read more.

All About Beer

My husband always has been a strong supporter of the “German Beer Culture”, so I decided to enlist his help in creating the latest addition to the SkinnyChef feature articles. This article looks at the history, the various beer styles, traditional ingredients and the German Reinheitsgebot. Read more.

Flavors of France

Even though I have graduated from culinary school a long time ago, I still think of all the wonderful and valuable things that I’ve learned in the classroom. Just the other day, I was looking over the menu that I prepared as part of my final exam. Stop by Jenn’s imaginary French Bistro, La Gironde and see what’s on the Fall Menu. Read more.

The Glories of German Wine

During a trip to the tiny medieval town of Warendorf, Germany, I had the chance to talk to one of Germany’s premier wine experts, Dr. Leve. Find out why the Germans aren’t drinking their own wines. Read more.

In the Hands of a Master: A Chef’s Story

“Are there any similarities between being a chef and black-belt?” - I wondered recently when I interviewed Chef Mike Schwartz at the Seido Karate Dojo where he fights. During our conversation, he expanded on his theory of the Zen of Cooking and touched on the secrets of mastering the art of cuisine. Read more.

Design is Everywhere

Inspired by endless discussions with my husband and “right hand man”, this essay touches on the many facets of design and how my thinking about design has influenced not only my work in the kitchen, but also the creation of this website. Read more.

Keeping Knives Sharp

All About Your Knives explores not only techniques to keep your knives sharp, but also discusses the differences between various knife producers and where to buy knives. Read more.

Julia Child - Mother of the American Food Renaissance

takes a look at Julia Child’s career and how her enthusiasm for food has influenced all of America. Read more.

Interview with a Yogi

The interview came about during one of my recent sit-downs with Glenora Blackshire, inspiring yoga teacher at NYC’s Crunch gyms. Join me for an in-depth conversation, touching on the art of teaching, the concept of dispassion and more. Read more.