Published Works & Why I Write
I can't remember not being obsessed with food and I have been writing about it since 2010 when I launched a recipe blog that has long expired. I used to order culinary textbooks in Alabama and read them along with every issue of Food Network Magazine and Food & Wine in my back yard.
When I moved to Seattle in 2013, food and hospitality became an extension of my life, both professionally and on a deeper level. I was somewhere new. Somewhere incredible produce abounds and you can talk to your purveyors every day at Pike Place Market.
I read Eater and the like religiously, as well as every cookbook and chef's memoirs I could get my hands on. Julia Child's memoir My Life in France is my all time favorite book; I've read everything by the great Anthony Bourdain, Eric Ripert's 32 Yolks, and Danny Meyer's Setting the Table (among countless others). I'm reading Gabrielle Hamilton's Blood, Bones, and Butter right now and have Mashama Bailey's Black, White, and The Grey teed up for when I finish that.
Over the years as I went deeper into working with restaurants and beverage brands, I became eager to start writing about food again. I launched Eat, Drink, Travel, Y'all! in 2015 and have published hundreds of pieces on it since, and I've been commissioned to write for Eater Seattle and others. The work below is a mix. Some of it was commissioned, much of it is my own. Most of it I both wrote and photographed.
Eater Seattle:
How to Have A Ball in Walla Walla
In the southwest corner of the state, Walla Walla is the hub of Washington’s wine country. With the highest concentration of wineries in the Pacific Northwest — more than 120 — and some of Washington State’s oldest wineries, the Walla Walla Valley has long been established as a popular tourist destination. Read more…
*This piece was both written and photographed by me.
Wine Enthusiast:
The Best Walla Walla Wineries (and More) to Visit Right Now
*This piece features an array of my wine photography.
The State of Washington:
Meet Some of the Women Shaping Washington’s Wine Industry
*This piece was researched and written by me and features an array of my photography.
The pieces below were commissioned by Visit Walla Walla. They were researched, written, and photographed by me.
Rustic Italian Elegance at Bar Bacetto
Just a short, and scenic drive from Walla Walla, awaits one of the very best restaurants in the country (according to the New York Times). Welcome to Bar Bacetto, the intimate, 18-seat, hyper-seasonal Italian restaurant in downtown Waitsburg, brought to you by industry veterans Mike and Erin Easton.
Keep Caffeinated at These Seven Walla Walla Coffee Shops
You may have come to Walla Walla for the wine, but there’s no better way to start your day here than with a great cup of coffee. Before you hit the wine-tasting trail, explore one of the wonderful coffee shops that we have to offer. Whether you’re looking for a great “meet for coffee” spot or just a great cup to go – this list has you covered.
Drink Like a Local at These Neighborhood Haunts
While Walla Walla is renowned for its wineries, our city also boasts some fabulous neighborhood pubs that offer mouthwatering bites and lovely libations in a more laid-back setting. These local establishments make a great spot for a meal, a nightcap, or a place to watch the game with friends. No matter your beverage of choice – from craft cocktails to artisanal brews – this list has you covered (on drinks and eats).
The following pieces were published on my website, Eat, Drink, Travel, Y’all! All were written and photographed by me.
Catching Up with Neal Bodenheimer: Cocktails, Cure, and the Case for Timeless Things
A few Tuesdays ago, I found myself on the patio at Cure with proprietor and New Orleans beverage legend Neal Bodenheimer.
Luvi – I Love You! A Review of One of Uptown’s Most Unique Dining Spots
I found Luvi almost by accident. I was attempting to make a reservation at another restaurant my husband had told me about. But they didn’t have options available at the time I wanted to dine, so I scrolled the list of other recommendations given by Resy, and up popped Luvi. I knew right away it was our style of food when I read the description and scrolled the photos, and quickly made a reservation for the next evening (which was last night).
A Running List of the Best Places to Eat in Walla Walla (from a Local)
We have been in Walla Walla for over a year now (really?! has it been that long?) and we’ve done our best to eat our way through this little wine city in the southeastern corner of Washington. COVID didn’t make it easy, but we’ve managed to dine almost everywhere and we’ve documented almost all of it along the way. Here’s a running list of all of our favorite places to eat in Walla Walla (with LOTS of pictures). If you don’t see your favorite on this list, drop it in the comments! I’ll update this regularly, so make sure to bookmark this for the ultimate guide on where to eat in Washington Wine Country!