About me

It’s difficult to pinpoint a time in life when cooking wasn’t important to me. Growing up as a latch-key kid, quickly learning how to steam rice, microwave instant noodles, and scramble eggs on the stove top became survival skills!

 

These lessons also made Mom’s meals all the more special, so as far as early influences, my mother has had a huge impact on how and what I cook. As we grew up near the Gulf Coast, her focus on the abundance of fish and seafood, paired with fresh garden herbs and vegetables became staples of my palate.

 

In 2011, I opened a neighborhood dive bar and grill, where I prepared unique daily specials each night of the week. I then went on to open and operate a fast-casual Asian eatery called Sing in the Heights neighborhood, followed by a Vietnamese banh mi (sandwich) shop, YELO in Katy, Texas.

 

Since leaving these concepts, I have had amazing opportunities to work alongside well-known local chefs like Richard Knight (Feast, Atlas Diner), Christine Ha (The Blind Goat and Master Chef Champion) and Evelyn Garcia (KIN, Decatur and Chopped Champion and Top Chef Finalist). In 2021, I joined LMN Hospitality as a chef consultant, where I host pop-ups, in-home dinners, and offer interactive classes like my ever-popular spring roll making class.

 

My specialties are Thai, Vietnamese, Cajun and Southern cuisine, but my heart lies with sharing ethnic comfort foods with others.