About Our team!

I am a self-taught chef who hails from a small, rural community in Northeast Washington state. I grew up impoverished and with very little. We did not have running water, electricity, or a telephone until I was in my teen years. Not only has this upbringing greatly influenced my Rustic Gourmet cooking style, but also gave me a great appreciation for everything I have, rarely taking anything for granted and believing that hard work and dedication will bring their own rewards.

I initially went to college at Eastern Washington University just outside of Spokane, WA where I studied history, art and humanities. During my senior year, I found my passion for the culinary arts and began teaching myself how to cook. I worked my way up the ladder of jobs and moved on to a few other restaurants in the area, continuing to hone my skills. Before I moved to the Seattle area in November of 2006, I was running the kitchen at a local downtown trendy billiards hall that served craft cocktails and gourmet gastropub fare. 

When I moved to the Seattle area, I spent time in the wine and beer industry, with a focus on European and South American import as well as local Washington and Oregon wines. That was followed by a stint at a fusion French/American bistro and wine bar under the tutelage of Chef Garrett Brown as his right-hand sous. I ran the kitchen alone on my days in a space that regularly would flip 45-60 tables twice a night. From there, I transitioned to kitchen manager/executive chef at a struggling bar and grill, with the intent of turning business around and bringing in more revenue. After successfully completing my contract with the owner, I knew it was time to branch out on my own. 

Each step of the way, I kept my eye on the goal of owning my own business and eventually was able to make that happen. I love everything about cooking- the challenge, the chaos, the unending variety. I wanted to be able to share my passion and unique story with others and I now have the opportunity to do so. 

It's my honor to share our vision of The Canal with you, the work we've put in makes us so proud. We hope you love it as much as we do! 

I fell in love with the food and hospitality industry from the very first job I had as a teenager working at Dick’s Hamburgers in Spokane, WA. This industry is so fascinating to me-constantly evolving and changing, while still honoring the past. 

Over the past two decades, I have had experience in quick service, fast casual, bistro, and fine dining restaurants. I went to college at Gonzaga University after an internship with the Walt Disney World College Program. It was at Gonzaga that I decided to pursue a career in business... fast forward a bit, and I was finally able to leave the corporate world to work alongside Chef to build the business he started. 

Over the years we have catered for thousands of clients, at venues spanning from Alaska to California and everything in between. The traveling that we have been able to do with our team has been incredible! I’ve cultivated partnerships with colleagues industry-wide and expanded my skillset with Wedding & Event coordination. I really feel like this is my calling! 

We are so excited to bring The Canal back to life and look forward to seeing you here!