I grew up in Iowa and moved to N. Calif. in the early 80's. I worked various jobs in the Hospitality service, and discovered that I had a passionate interest in cooking. My first professional cooking job was at the now defunct Hyatt Regency Oakland. I had the enviable opportunity to cook on the hot line in a major hotel, a position almost never awarded a female in those days. Consequently, my boss, Jerry, referred to me as the "little pioneer". I've always considered his acknowledgement of my adventuresome spirit one of my greatest compliments. I've since returned to my "roots" and own a restaurant in Iowa.
