My career as a writer began one hot rainy day in Manila when an editor asked me to fill in for his departed art critic. There was an exhibit on and a deadline a week away. My jaw dropped. As an art historian, I had never looked at anything more recent than the 18th century. What did I know about contemporary anything? Fortunately a well-placed kick under the table from my then-husband brought me to my senses. Of course I would take the assignment. I was broke! One week later I was a free-lancer in print and have been for the last thirty years.
Ten years ago, after writing about art, politics and anything else that came my way, I decided to follow my heart where the keyboard was concerned. I had a deep-seated passion for cooking, savoring, discussing and reading about food. I was devouring tomes about gastronomy, attending symposia, and reading cookbooks in bed until I dozed and they fell on my face with a thud.
I began with features and an entertainment column for a Bay Area newspaper, then branched out into magazines. Soon I was writing about agriculture, lifestyle and travel as well. But my greatest pleasure remains following the path food takes from its roots in orchards, fields and milking parlors to become exquisite products fashioned by highly skilled artisans.
And, of course, tasting it. Mine is definitely the best job on earth.
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