I found my passion for Culinary Arts by accident.
My journey took an unexpected turn as I transitioned from pursuing a career as a visual artist to discovering my innate culinary talent. With a creative background, I found a new medium in food, allowing me to delve deeper into my creative self. Falling in love with every aspect of preparing, presenting, and celebrating a meal was a turning point. The satisfaction of crafting culinary art that tasted as good as it looked was overwhelming.
I not only treat each plate as a canvas but also relish in sharing my creations with others, finding immense joy in evoking emotions through my food.
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This natural skill, instilled by my upbringing, became my passion, where I saw beauty in special meals and equated food with love.
Growing up in a food-loving household with seven hungry brothers, I learned the value of good food from my parents. My dad's chef background and my mom's exceptional baking and cooking skills greatly influenced me. It's a certainty I've never felt before.
Currently, I’m working at my family’s restaurant, Pedal’N Pi, in Crystal City, MO. Woodfire Pizza & Bicycles are our specialty but we offer so much more. I host private dinners as well, which is my one of my favorite things as it allows me full creative freedom to make a personalized menu. We call this the Sunday Dinner Club.
It is my goal to learn as much as possible from as many people and places as I can.
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Every orchestrated dish, whether simple or complex, carries with it layers of history and heritage. The world is overflowing with an endless array of foods, people, places, aromas, and flavors that beckon me to learn more. At this point in my journey, I'm driven by a deep desire to explore and absorb as much as possible. I consider myself blessed to have the opportunity to travel to enchanting destinations, allowing me to immerse myself in the rich tapestry of food and culture. It's through these experiences that I am able to share the same profound feelings and encounters with you.
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I've ventured into several culinary competitions, starting with a victory at the SkillsUSA MO State competition in April 2022. This success earned me a spot in the SkillsUSA National Competition held in Atlanta that same year.
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Additionally, I participated in the Show Me Series, a qualifier event for the World Food Championships, held in St. Louis, MO. I secured first place in that competition, recieving a golden ticket to compete at the WFC in Dallas, Texas. Alongside my brother and mom, our team faced off against contestants from across the globe.