ABOUT THIS COOK:

I grew up in Canada with a British mother and an Egyptian father. They both were great cooks and we rarely ate out and always would have dinner together as a family. My main job was to set and clear the the table and make tea. I learned to cook by watching them and helping. During a decade with my ex /boyfriend partner i really learned to cook, by doing it. He was also a very good cook. When i go to restaurants if i like the dish, i try to figure out the flavors and replicate them at home from memory. What i like so much about food and cooking is that there is always more to learn, the possibilities are endless. I also enjoy the process, the scents, the colors, cooking and preparing food uses all the senses. It is a form of alchemy the way food transforms as it cooks. It also can be relaxing and therapeutic.

• What is the strangest food you have ever eaten?
  ostrich, sea urchin, tripe

• What do you cook when home alone?
  fruit and veggies / simple pasta

• Your most treasured kitchen possession:
  I live in a tiny NYC studio by myself, so when i moved in and had some extra money I treated myself to a 24 inch Italian Bertazzoni convection Oven.

• The ideal number of guests for a dinner party is:
  2 or 6