Age: 31
Background: Trained at the Cincinnati Culinary Arts Academy. Worked at Grammars, Cincinnati.
How she got into cooking: "My mom went back to work when I was 14, so I started helping out with preparing the family dinners."
First food memory: "My mom's apple dumplings with warm milk-- I'd request them on my birthday."
How she ended up in New Orleans: "I went down for Mardi Gras, then found a job and never looked back. It's a common New Orleans story."
Mentor: John Neal at Peristyle, a 1995 F&W Best New Chef, who died soon after he won the award.
Ingredient pick: Fennel. "My waiters even joke about it."
Favorite equipment: A long-handled sauce whisk.
Favorite cookbook: Baking with Julia Child (Morrow)."She's flawless."
What she'd do if she weren't a chef: Be a professional gardener.
Favorite 1 A.M. meal: Triscuits. "If you're a chef cooking 60 hours a week, you just can't keep perishable foods in your refrigerator."
Food vice: French fries.
Recipe tip: When chicken stuffing will go under the skin, chill the stuffing first; it will be easier to handle and won't expand in the oven.
Info: 1041 Dumaine St.; 504-593-9535.
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