Let’s discover something new and tasty together
Meet our new food writer, who’s spent the past 12 years enjoying cuisines and beverages throughout Hampton Roads
The Food Dude, John Walters, happened to describe me perfectly: “The only thing I like better than talking about food is eating.”
I’m constantly in search of seasoned foods that let me taste greatness, culinary and drink events with a little history, and tea with real Camellia sinensis. Now, I get to share these finds and more with readers of The Pilot and Daily Press.
I hope to help readers discover their new favorite spots, satisfy their sweet tooth cravings and uncover drink options for all occasions. Also, I plan to give them a little something extra — or lagniappe (lan-yap), as they say in New Orleans — when they plan an evening at home. I will share some recipes from my kitchen and others’ alike.
I’ve been cooking since I was 8, when I was growing up in Indiana. My first meal: Thanksgiving dinner. I pulled the chair up to the stove as my mom gave instructions on how to prepare all the trimmings. I’m taller now. I still love to cook and experiment.
Furthermore, I’ve been writing about food and drink for more than 18 years as a freelancer, blogger and author, the past 12 while enjoying cuisines and beverages throughout Hampton Roads.
I had wanted to live in Virginia since the ’90s. My plans got diverted when I attended college in the Big Easy, and I set up residency there after graduation. I couldn’t resist — and still can’t — the seafood gumbo from Dooky Chase’s Restaurant, the succulent red beans and rice with fried chicken from The Praline Connection (now closed), the bread pudding soufflé from
Commander’s Palace, and many others. In 2005, Hurricane Katrina took me away from all of that and I made the decision to move to Las Vegas — the land of the buffets. I stayed for five years before asking myself where I wanted to live. The answer was obvious.
When I tell locals I moved to Tidewater because I wanted to be here, they ask me why. I get to experience four seasons and beautiful fall colors. I have seven cities to play in. I’m a train ride away from the nation’s capital. With that being said, I had no idea I would fall in love with its people, its rich history and, of course, its fare.
Since I came here, I’ve consumed my fair share of flavorful beef ribs from a roadside grill, the kind where the juice drips on the shirt and makes the right foot wiggle.
(Not surprised: After all, barbecue originated in southern Virginia.) I have driven through the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel just to enjoy a plate of penne alla vodka. Felt the ocean breeze while indulging in a hot, lightly battered seafood platter with the right amount of spice. Scarfed down a cookie with crispy edges, soft middles and loads of chips in the parking lot because I couldn’t wait to get it home. I have danced under the sunset while drinking full-bodied — and sometimes crisp — Virginia wines.
As a retired nomad, I look forward to writing more stories and creating lasting memories in the Old Dominion to pass along to you. Let’s explore something new together.