My journey as a self-taught vegetarian Mediterranean chef started at age 7 with my decision to become a vegetarian. Having asked my mom to prepare vegetarian foods, her reply was: “It’s time for you to learn how to cook so that you can make any kind of food you want”. I started cooking and found absolute joy in experimenting with the bounty of fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs (lavender always being my favorite) from our organic garden.

This early encounter with the joy of cooking led me to create Lavender Cuisine because cooking truly is my greatest passion! I offer personal chef services, vegetarian, vegan, Mediterranean cooking, chocolate and wine pairing classes and catering throughout Santa Cruz County and the South Bay. I use a wide variety of fresh, organic local produce and ingredients from local farmer’s markets in Santa Cruz County.

The name Lavender Cuisine comes from my wonderful experience with the amazing healing power of lavender—a story that has its origins in my early childhood in the south of France. I was introduced to lavender at the age of six. My mom used to make me a glass of warm milk infused with lavender flowers and honey whenever I had an upset stomach or could not sleep. It always made me feel good and was simply wonderful. I learned the art of cooking and baking with culinary lavender at a very early age by experimenting with it and loving the results. Culinary lavender adds a delightful and exotic flavor to any sweet or savory creation.

Lavender has touched my life in many magical ways and I would welcome the opportunity to introduce it into yours.