ABOUT THIS COOK:

I am one of those crazy food people who tossed aside things like health benefits and regular paychecks back in 2007 to pursue the life of my dreams as a food writer. I write restaurant reviews for Philadelphia magazine and have co-written a cookbook, Almost Meatless. Hopefully it's the first of many!

• What is the strangest food you have ever eaten?
  pickled lamb's tongue

• What do you cook when home alone?
  roasted vegetables and handmade mayonnaise

• Your most treasured kitchen possession:
  My induction cooktop

• The ideal number of guests for a dinner party is:
  8