|
ABOUT MEMy journey with food began with a clear realization that the only way of living that has sense and meaning to me is doing something that I truly love with all my heart. The answer for me was cooking.
I wanted to reach an audience much bigger than friends and family. That took me to having a restaurant business that lived in NYC for 8 years and was known as Two Tablespoons. I started this venture with a mission in mind - serving wholesome, healthy, clean vegetarian and vegan food to the public. It was an exciting journey with many ups and downs, but everything comes to completion, so that new possibilities can be explored. In April 2020 the business closed its doors. And in July 2020 I moved out of NYC to upstate NY, so that I can live a life more connected to Nature. Over the years in the industry I also worked as a private chef for numerous retreats and private events, which have been my favorite creative outlet where I could really express myself and experiment with food. Cooking for events brings me a lot of joy, because aside from the kitchen process I also get to experience people. Observing how much joy and pleasure food brings, how people share warmth and conversations over food, is an important part of my work. As I trustfully continue my work as a chef and explore new possibilities in these unstable times, I continue to share my catering service for private events and retreats, as well as teaching cooking classes online and in person. I believe that eating healthy should not become a dogma. It is a path of self-inquiry and deep connection to Nature. That is why I am attracted to the principles of Ayurveda, which is one of the oldest known sets of knowledge about food and human body. Ayurveda looks at nutrition as an individual approach to each person’s unique constitution and combination of natural elements. Its approach to health is wholesome, where body, mind and spirit are integral and interconnected parts of well being. I believe strongly in the power of wholesome foods as a way to nurture and heal. My main medicine is seasonal and local fruits and veggies, whole grains and legumes. I say no to processed and refined food items and always carry this message to my clients. The other key elements of health are joy and pleasure that food brings. I am very keen on making meals that are not only beneficial for the body, but exciting to the senses as well. To me healthy food doesn’t equal boring and bland. Creating food is a multidimensional expression for me, and a multidimensional experience for those who enjoy it. Food is about togetherness, joy, celebration, vitality and life! |