How often do you think about eating?

More than the average person should. I’m usually either thinking about what to make for my blog or what to make for dinner. You are talking to a girl who goes to the Farmer’s Market or grocery store almost daily.

Coffee craving?

Venti, half caf, non-fat, Pumpkin Spice Latte, with whipped cream (this time of year). Other favorite is a Venti, half caf, non-fat sugar free Cinnamon Dolce, no whip. I have to laugh at that because before I moved to the Seattle area I just ordered whatever. I have been converted into that annoying person who says a paragraph just to order coffee!

Favorite hometown food?

For greasy burgers, Dick’s “Burgers by the bagful” Restaurant. That is my default restaurant (meaning if I can’t think of anywhere to go). Purple Cafe and Wine Bar. Dahlia Lounge for their fresh-made doughnuts with freezer jam and mascarpone.

Ever been served breakfast in bed?

By my mom when I was sick. Mickey Mouse pancakes, those can always cheer someone up.

Your absolutely reliable, go-to dish for entertaining is:

Roasted Onion and Gorgonzola Soup is one. Bacon-Wrapped Spare Ribs with Huckleberry BBQ sauce is another. Also my Blue Cheese Cheesecake with Onion-Pear Jam. If we are talking dessert than you can’t go wrong with my Croissant Bread Pudding with Toffee Sauce. I usually make a pretty mean cheesecake as well.

Food that makes you gag?

Oysters. I have tried and tried and they do it every time.

Worst kitchen disaster:

The time I microwaved and egg (to hard boil it) and exploded everywhere. Everything was fine until I took it out of the microwave. My poor mom was finding bits of egg for weeks to come. I could not believe how one egg could do so much damage!

Three things in your refrigerator right now:

Heavy whipping cream, unsalted butter, eggs….the pastry lover’s trifecta.

Your idea of a romantic meal is:

Staying at home. Ordering a ton of Chinese food. Spreading it out on the floor. Sit in front of my fireplace and just talk and eat. I am very big on the romantic meals being at home. I mean if the mood strikes at a restaurant, that could surely lead to an awkward moment.

I had only ever been to one restaurant where I felt it was truly romantic in the sense that our table was away from everyone. I find it hard to be romantic when I can see other people and vice-versa. There is a restaurant in Seattle called Canlis. They have a private room that you can get for just you and your date. It over looks the water. The food there is fabulous, but I have never been up to the private room but want to one year for my anniversary (no worries I have already hinted and flat out told my husband that).

Secret snack of shame?

Frozen twinkies. Honey Buns slightly heated. Strawberry Frosted Pop Tarts.

Most ambitious thing you’ve ever done in the kitchen:

Marcel Desaulniers Chocolate Caramel Hazelnut Damnation (from Desserts to Die For). I made it many years ago. It’s very involved and very fantastic.

Best restaurant if you’re not paying:

The Trellis in Williamsburg, VA. The Herbfarm Restaurant in Woodinville, WA.

If you were a cocktail, what would you be?

No cocktail, a beer. I am pretty laid back and likeable to most people. But if I have to choose a cocktail, I say Screwdriver. Not terribly sweet, but easy to go down. But if you are not careful, I could f- you up. See hockey reference.

Extra Credit: Where is the world’s best pizza?

Pizzeria Bianco, Phoenix Arizona.