SWEET & SPICY: DAY NINETY EIGHT WHAT IS MY PURPOSE

I come from a famous Los Angeles (Pacific Northwest) Dutch baking family: VAN DE KAMP. Some know the story while others don't have a clue. I learn new things about my family legacy each year and its always an amazing inspiring reality of what runs through my blood of where/how one side of my family endured to survive in LA from the 20s-late 70s and onward. A Jewish family (Lawry) and a Catholic family (Van de Kamp) decided to create a partnership (somewhat of a NO NO in the day) and start simple. Starting simple is always a wonderful piece of advice that I never seem to grasp since I am a big dreamer/picture Aquarian that strives to build the masterpiece, but many of us know that to get on top of the mountain we can't just go straight up, we have to switch-back dealing with all the elements and fight onward with endurance, patience, and perseverance. It started in downtown with a small potato chip stand called Saratoga Chips. The business then expanded with the vision of bringing freshly daily baked goods into local markets establishing Van de Kamp Bakeries. From there restaurants were created and then eventually a line of frozen foods were provided to the public near the end of my family reigns in the business. This was a very brief description of a wonderful story about two striving families who believed in quality and excellent success. What it taught me was to believe and act upon your passions. Live through them and enjoy the journey. I believe this is why I love to create and celebrate in the kitchen. Never feared it, have delicious senses, all about preparation, presentation, and lots of color on my plates. I have picked up things here and there from my mama, other mamas around the world, cooks in restaurants, and backyard barbecues, but really have to honor my own love for food, taste, and the service of others. My philosophy is "EVERY BITE IS A NEW BITE" with a sweet and spicy flare. My specialties are Mexican, Sunday Brunch, Greens & Grains the Vegan way, Sauces, Argentinian Parilla, ans salads all in a flavor-filled savory sweet and loving way. It is true, cooking can be oh so loving and perfect in many many ways. The kitchen is a place where I shine and blossom. A place where I can be me in my own unique way...Bon-Appetito- RVB