My lifelong love of cooking lured me out of my first career in the software biz into culinary school at the tender age of, well, never mind. After graduating from The French Culinary Institute (which received The Award of Excellence for 2006 by the International Association of Culinary Professionals) in New York City, I spent eighteen months in Paris completing an apprenticeship at a Michelin starred restaurant and working on a book about my experiences as a cook in a foreign land.

More than a little bit of that eighteen months was spent traveling throughout Europe. My primary culinary interests are the cuisines of the Mediterranean that include the healthful, bold flavors of Italy, Spain, France and North Africa. I also make a mean Mac&Cheese. 

Almost six years ago, March of 2006, Dine by Design Catering opened its doors in Santa Rosa Beach. And ever since, we’ve been busy catering from Pensacola to St. George Island, though most of our work takes place along beautiful Scenic 30A, in South Walton County. 

In the intervening years, I’ve been fortunate enough to work with some fabulous people, from photographers, wedding planners, florists, to my clients, the brides, grooms, and – that most put-upon creature – the mother of the bride! 

Every day that goes by confirms for me how remarkably suited I am for this work, and how delighted I am with the decision to leave the biz world and slip into the creative, challenging and soul-satisfying world of feeding people. I look forward to at least another half dozen years doing the very same thing. 

54 Logan Lane, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida  32459