I can still recall those early days of culinary school like they were yesterday. I had just moved to South Florida to pursue my training at the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, and my daily commute was a gorgeous 15-minute drive along the ocean. Not a bad way to start the school day. I arrived…
Clean (Your) Soul Food
I Wanna Go Back
One weekend in the winter of 1981, my parents took the entire family on an excursion to Camp Tamarack, which was about two hours north of Toronto. It was an overnight camp that had been recently purchased by Howie, the director of a day camp that we had attended and loved. My parents were thinking…
From Coal to Diamonds
If you’ve been following my blog posts from day one, you know my life is an open book. I love sharing my life experiences, and the story of ‘me’, which also includes my struggles. I find it therapeutic and I believe my struggles resonate with most people. Not too long ago, I posted something on…
The Evolution
Today I stumbled across notes my naturopath sent me following our first appointment over two years ago. The notes describe a plan of action for the natural treatment of my Psoriasis. Since that day I have felt better and I continue to learn about the foods that negatively impact my skin and one-by-one, removing them…
Be My Guest
Over the past two years I have taught and fed more than one thousand people in my home. That’s a lot of guests! I’ve also served thousands more during my time in professional kitchens. But those people were mostly unknown customers; during service, I never really had time to leave the kitchen to ‘shmooze’ with…
PSoapbox
In my Clean (your) Soul Food cooking classes I usually begin by introducing myself, explaining my culinary background, and what ultimately led me to eating clean. I also explain how me and my guests are a lot alike; I come home from the office, and like you try to figure out what to make my…
It’s Hockey Night In …
Growing up in the Toronto suburb of Thornhill, Ontario meant playing hockey was a rite of passage. I played competitive (AAA) hockey for the Thornhill Thunderbirds and skated the ice six times a week. I loved the team and I loved playing. I even loved the team colours, red and white – the colour red…
With Friends like you …
Most days I can’t remember what I ate for breakfast. But if you ask me what was on the menu on a specific night 5 or 10 years ago, I could probably recite every single plate. I also have a damn good memory when it comes to the big moments in my life. One of…
Soup to Nuts
I lead two professional lives. I’m a chef, author, educator and clean eating advocate, but I also run a sales team for The Accurate Group of Companies, a company my uncle started 45 years ago. Yep, that’s right. On top of everything you see, my food, classes, pop-up restaurants etc., I also help run a…
What makes you tick?
I love entertaining. When I have people in my home, I love feeding them and finding out what makes them tick. I also love teaching. So, entertaining is a great time to learn about other people’s successes and challenges in the kitchen. I can often anticipate questions and provide answers, but it’s incredible how so…