About

Name: Alicia. Pronounced “ahh*lee*sha”, which is apparently a lot harder than it looks since most people say it wrong.

Location: I am a displaced Minnesotan currently bumbling my way around Washington, DC. There’s a lot of money, a lot of power, a lot of problems, and a lot of partying interns in this town. Also, everyone has this ridiculous superiority complex about being from the East Coast. While this makes me a little bit ill and jaded, I sure to do love the public transporation and beautiful row houses.

Occupation: That’s top secret. Let’s just say I’m not allowed to accept gifts valued at over 10 dollars.

Education: I graduated in 2006 with a BA in Political Science/International Relations. I went a small, highly selective liberal arts college, and I think I’m just beginning to understand how unique that perspective is, mostly because this city is crawling with UVA grads.

Favorite foods: I love: beets, goat cheese, chocolate, Chinese eggplant, a sharp aged gouda, pasta and turkey meatballs, sweet yellow cherries, lamb chops, miso, soft shell crab, white nectarines, tofu, bacon, and avocados, to name just a few. I love things that are complex, sweet and salty, creamy and crunchy. I also kind of love fried things, but I don’t love heart disease, so I try to keep that in moderation.

Me and food: Food is cultural, particularly when you come from two food-obessesed ethnicities. I am half Chinese, half Italian American. Eating was and is a big part of what we do as a family. I grew up helping my grandma and dad in the kitchen–hence, I am always the kitchen wench (or, the sous chef, if you will). I am always amazed at how food seems to permeate so many aspects of my family life and culture. Whenever one of my cousins gets married, everyone worries whether our newest in-law likes to eat enough.

When it comes to food, I’ll eat pretty much anything. I have discerning tastes, but I’m not afraid of “weird” foods. I find picky or unadventurous eaters frustrating.  I also have a bit of a pet interest in table manners; I own a copy of Miss Manners’ Guide to Eating.

I started this blog as an attempt to take my interest in cooking and writing to another level. I hope this project will allow me to combine several things I enjoy, encourage me to practice and hone my skills, and force me to document what I cook and eat. While I’d certainly like this to be a resource for others, if nothing else, I will be happy if I can create a record for myself.