How old are your kids and how long have you lived in Westport? I have two daughters, Hannah is 11 and Stella is 8. I have lived in Westport for 8 years.
How did you end up where you are now in terms of your job, or whatever passion project it is you might be doing? My passion for food has been a driving force in my life for as long as I can remember. At 14, I wrote a kids’s cookbook, which set the stage for my studies in food and restaurant management at Syracuse University. After college, I worked in PR for several NYC restaurants, which eventually led me to start a LinkedIn- type platform for the restaurant industry called Culintro. When I left the city in 2016, I transitioned to working locally as a Chef recruiter, collaborating with several restaurants in the area. Throughout these years, I was always entertaining friends and hosting dinner parties—a true passion of mine.
Summer of 2019, I decided to take a leap and focus on what I love most: cooking. A good friend gave me the opportunity to do a three-week trial, cooking for her and her family, and I loved every moment of It. That experience inspired me to launch The Home Cook CT. We now deliver throughout Westchester and Fairfield Counties, serving a loyal base of weekly customers and providing meals to approximately 250 families each week.
What is your favorite family activity to do in Westport or the surrounding towns? We love hanging out at Compo Beach in the summer. In the fall, apple picking and local festivals are a must for us. We love getting out and enjoying everything the area has to offer, no matter the season.
What’s your favorite app right now- for you- and for your kids? I love working off of Canva for our flyers and social media.
If you could pick one restaurant or store to come to Westport that isn’t here now, what would it be, and why? I believe a restaurant like Houston’s would kill it in Westport. We’re in need of a family-friendly yet upscale spot with a menu that appeals to everyone. Their ribs and salads are unbeatable, and the sushi is always a hit. It would be a fantastic addition to the community.
What are you most excited about in life right now? Seeing where the Home Cook will take me and watching my girls grow up and change year after year.
What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you? I hate salmon & bananas
If you weren’t doing what you are today, what do you think your career path might have been? I’m not really sure. It would always have to have something to do with food.
If you had 24 hours to do whatever you wanted – what would you do? I’d start with some exercise, then spend the day at the beach with my family. In the evening, I’d meet friends for cocktails and dinner. I might even squeeze in some cooking and a massage.
What was your most memorable family vacation and why? We spent a memorable Thanksgiving vacation in Hawaii with my family and in-laws. My brother was living there at the time, so we stayed with my in-laws in a condo, and my mom joined us too. We were hoping for a great Thanksgiving meal, but the only option available was a Thanksgiving dinner in a bag, which was as unappealing as it sounds. Despite that, the week together was truly unforgettable.13. What is the best white lie you have told your kids? If you eat too many tic tacs, your teeth will turn into tic tacs, which quickly got them to give me their container of almost all eaten tic tac candies.
What is your proudest mommy moment? Watching my older daughter, Hannah, on stage dancing brings me so much joy. Seeing her do what she loves most is incredibly fulfilling. For Stella, the highlight was watching her spend her first summer at sleep-away camp. Despite being homesick, she thrived and made many new friends.
What do you most value in your friends? I value friends who are compassionate, honest, & like to have a good time!
QUICK THIS OR THAT:
At a movie: Candy or Popcorn? Popcorn
Cook or order in? Cook
Iced Coffee or Hot Coffee? Hot, always
Beach or Mountains? Beach
Glass Half Full or Half Empty? Full
Sauce on the Side or Sauce on Top? Depends on the dish
Crunchy or Smooth Peanut Butter? Depends on my mood
Guacamole or Salsa? Guacamole
Attend a Party or Host a Party? Host
Call a friend or text a friend? Call
Vacation or staycation? Vacation
Before bed: Social media or book/TV? TV or Online Shopping;)
Watch or play sports? Play
Stay in or go out? Stay in
Comedy or Drama? Comedy