As a child, I was my mother's shadow.  If she was cleaning, I held the dustpan.  If she was cooking, I was in the corner, watching her slice, dice, steam, saute, deep fry.  My mom has always been a great cook, and she put a good meal on the table every night.

I'm happiest in the kitchen, cooking for people I love.  And what do I cook?  For weeknights, a simple meat and a couple vegs on the side.  Lots of Northern Italian, French, American, Chinese home cooking.  I dabble in Mexican and Japanese.  I love throwing parties where you know there will be good food, drinks, and, of course, friends.

Do you know what I mean about the little fork?  At restaurants, they bring it for oysters, clams, escargot...  The little fork, it makes me happy.  I know there are good things coming.